Education Through Music Podcasts

Notables - Ep 17: Ben Hayes

"I don't know where I'd be without music." This comes from Ben Hayes, ETM board member and Vice President at Goldman Sachs where he serves as a member of the legal team within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Long before law school, Ben performed with a number of orchestras, concert bands, jazz groups, and brass ensembles, including tours with the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. He also performed and toured as a musician in Blast! The Broadway Show throughout the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. For our final Notables episode of the season, we speak with Ben about his formative experiences as a music student and performer. From the influence of his high school band director to performing to sold out audiences in Tokyo, Ben's life and career has been shaped by the lessons he's learned from the hours and hours of practice, preparation, and performance as a musician. Tune in for proof of how making room for music can unlock enthusiasm and cultivate a mindset to bring one's full self into all facets of life.

Notables - Ep 16: Keanan Duffty

We're delighted to release our next Notables podcast episode with Keanan Duffty, musician, co-founder of the rock band Slinky Vagabond, award-winning fashion designer, and educator. In this inspiring conversation, Keanan shares with us his formative experiences with music and fashion as well as his invaluable perspectives on the importance of collaboration, self-expression, and forging one's own creative path. We're also thrilled to be honoring Keanan with the Music Innovation Award at our upcoming 2025 Gala "Making Minds Sing!" on May 15th! Tune in now at your favorite podcast platform or etmonline.org/podcast to hear from a true innovator and trailblazer. And to join or support our gala visit etmonline.org/gala!

Notables - Ep 15: Carlos Simon

We had the great privilege to speak with GRAMMY-nominated composer, curator, and activist Carlos Simon. Carlos is Composer-in-Residence for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and holds the inaugural Composer Chair of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the first in the organization’s 143-year history. And coming up this April, Gustavo Dudamel will lead the world premiere of Simon’s Good News Mass with the LA Philharmonic, a celebratory homage to Black joy, spiritual discovery, and the power of faith. In this inspiring conversation, Carlos talks about his musical roots and its ongoing influence in his work, his artistic process, as well as advice he received from his teachers early in his career that has guided his craft since. Emphasized throughout is Carlos's belief that music should be a means of service to others. Tune in now to hear from this acclaimed artist as he continues to reach new heights and make music accessible to all.

ETM: The Podcast - Ep 20: Inside the Modern Band Movement

For our first episode of 2025 we go inside the modern band movement with an esteemed group of music educators with decades of experience among them. Joining us is Dr. Scott Burstein, Director of Professional Development & Higher Education with Music Will; Dr. Tom Zlabinger, Associate Professor of Music at York College and President of MEANYC; Alfredo Hernandez, Music Director of All Hallows High School and ETM Alum; and Dr. Joe DeMarco, third-year ETM Teacher at MS 419 in Queens. With wisdom, humor, and drawing from decades of experience in and outside of the classroom, we explore the successes and challenges of building a modern band program and examine how the growing movement is providing music teachers with an accessible, relevant, and student-centered education. Tune in now to be inspired by some of today's leading modern band practitioners. Available now on your favorite podcast platform! And be sure to subscribe and leave us a review.

Notables - Ep 14: Dr. Ryan Zellner

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ryan Zellner, CEO of the International Society for Music Education (ISME) and a lifelong advocate for music education. From first being inspired by music in the fourth grade when hearing a brass band to leading music education programs across the globe, Dr. Zellner shares his incredible journey. We explore Dr. Zellner’s career path, from starting as a music teacher to spearheading major initiatives, including building music education programs in Saudi Arabia. Now, as CEO of ISME, he’s driving innovation in global music education and asking a critical question: how can we advance  the state of music education worldwide? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of music education and how it can continue to innovate to keep students engaged. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or music enthusiast, this episode is sure to strike a chord! Like what you hear? Leave us a rating and review!