What does it really take to prepare future music teachers for today’s classroom?

In this episode, Aaron talks with Dr. Nicki Toliver and Chris Thompson from Wartburg College’s Music Education program about how they’re equipping undergrads to succeed in the real world of teaching.

Topics include:

 * Field experiences that actually prepare students
 * Helping undergrads discover their teaching “fit”
 * Honest advice about student teaching, burnout, and job searching
 * The power of mentorship and relationship-building

Whether you're a college student, cooperating teacher, or reflecting on your early years, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical takeaways for anyone in music education.

Episode 10: Helping Undergrads Survive and Thrive in Music Ed

In this special international episode, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Jakob von Wolff, President and Owner of Studio 49 — the legendary German instrument maker co-founded by Carl Orff himself. Jakob shares Studio 49’s incredible history, their deep commitment to quality and music education, and why their handcrafted xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels have inspired generations of young musicians around the world. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the factory, insights on Orff’s influence, and why Studio 49 continues to set the standard in elementary music classrooms today.

Learn more about Studio 49 here: https://www.studio49.de/en/
Shop Studio 49 products here: https://www.westmusic.com/b/studio-49

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Sign up for West Music emails for exclusive content and discounts! https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife/emailsignup
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]   
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]   
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]   
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]   
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 9: Studio 49’s Legacy in Music Education

How do we keep new arts teachers from burning out and leaving the profession? In Episode 8, Aaron Hansen talks with Leon Kuehner, Executive Director of the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, about the vital role of mentorship in saving and sustaining new arts educators. Leon shares powerful insights from decades of experience — from building statewide mentoring programs to uniting arts advocates across Iowa. Tune in for real talk about teacher retention, advocacy wins, and why strong mentorship is essential for the future of arts education.

Learn more about the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education: https://iowaalliance4artsed.org/
Register for the 2025 Iowa Fine Arts Education Summit: https://web.cvent.com/event/6a598a50-b617-4aa0-8e4f-e65a2e5358c2/summary

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Sign up for West Music emails for exclusive content and discounts! https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife/emailsignup
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]   
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]   
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]   
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]   
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 8: Leon Kuehner on How Mentorship Can Save New Arts Teachers

In this episode of Play Now, Play For Life, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Judy Pine and Tereasa Evans from West Music’s national events team to talk all things summer professional development. From Orff and Kodály to World Music Drumming and Drums Alive, they walk through the many opportunities available for music educators—plus practical tips for choosing the right fit, navigating time and budget constraints, and even finding scholarships. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation offers guidance, encouragement, and a few laughs to help you feel confident and excited about growing your skills this summer.

Apply for the Jeanna McGlaughlin scholarship (applications close April 15, 2025): https://www.westmusic.com/jeanna-mcglaughlin-scholarship

Here are links to all of the organizations discussed in this episode!
American Orff Schulwerk Association: https://aosa.org/
Organization of American Kodály Educators: https://www.oake.org/
World Music Drumming: https://www.worldmusicdrumming.com/
Drums Alive: https://www.drums-alive.com/
Dalcroze Society of America: https://dalcrozeusa.org/

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Sign up for West Music emails for exclusive content and discounts! https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife/emailsignup
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]   
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]   
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]   
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]   
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 7: The Summer PD Survival Guide Every Music Teacher Needs

Looking for a game-changer in your music classroom? In this episode of Play Now, Play for Life, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Patty Bourne, World Music Drumming Director, and Melissa Blum, World Music Drumming faculty member, to discuss how this powerful, hands-on approach builds musical skills, fosters community, and engages every student. Whether you’re new to drumming or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll discover why this curriculum is transforming music education.

World Music Drumming Website: https://www.worldmusicdrumming.com/
World Music Drumming Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WorldMusicDrumming
World Music Drumming Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/59865315013/

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]   
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]   
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]   
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]   
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 6: How World Music Drumming Will Change Your Teaching

How can playfulness transform music education? In this episode, Play Now, Play for Life host Aaron Hansen sits down with Leigh Ann Garner, President-Elect of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), to explore the Kodály approach, playful teaching, and the power of community. Leigh Ann shares her journey from student to leader, her insights on blending Kodály and Orff, and why joy and creativity are essential in the music classroom. Plus, hear about OAKE’s upcoming national conference and how educators can stay inspired.

Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) website: https://www.oake.org/
OAKE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakeorg
OAKE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakenational
Learn more about the OAKE conference and get a template for asking for support from your district here: https://www.oake.org/conferences/
Contact Leigh Ann here: preselect@oake.org

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 5: Leigh Ann Garner on Kodály & Playful Teaching

How can the Kodály approach help students develop lifelong musical skills? In this episode of Play Now, Play for Life, host Aaron Hansen sits down with Lauren Hirsh, Executive Director of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), to explore Kodály-inspired strategies that engage students in active music-making, build musical literacy, and support general music teachers. Lauren shares her personal music education journey, insights on bridging elementary music to ensemble success, and tips for integrating Kodály principles into your classroom. Tune in for inspiration, practical ideas, and a deeper understanding of this powerful approach!

Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) website: https://www.oake.org/
OAKE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakeorg
OAKE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakenational
Learn more about the OAKE conference and get a template for asking for support from your district here: https://www.oake.org/conferences/

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]   
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]   
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]   
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]   
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 4: Lauren Hirsh on Building Musical Foundations with the Kodály Approach

In this episode, Aaron Hansen sits down with Tom Michalek, President of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), to explore the Kodály philosophy of music education. Tom shares his personal journey with Kodály, the importance of music literacy, and how to use folk songs, singing games, and joyful play to create a structured yet flexible classroom experience. Discover how Kodály’s sequential approach can help students deeply connect with music and learn valuable strategies to adapt this methodology to meet the needs of your students. A must-listen for music educators seeking proven methods to enhance their teaching!

Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) website: https://www.oake.org/
OAKE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakeorg
OAKE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakenational
Learn more about the OAKE conference and get a template for asking for support from your district here: https://www.oake.org/conferences/

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 3: Tom Michalek on Kodály’s Musical Approach

In this episode, Judy Pine, West Music’s Director of Outside Events and a former music teacher, shares invaluable tips for navigating new music classrooms. From assessing inventory and setting up your space to advocating for resources and maintaining instruments, Judy offers practical advice and insights drawn from her 45 years of experience. Whether you’re a new teacher or starting fresh in a different classroom, this episode is packed with tools to help you create a thriving music program.

To contact Judy for assistance, email jpine@westmusic.com
Find funding resources at https://edufund.westmusic.com/
American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) website: https://aosa.org/
Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) website: https://www.oake.org/
World Music Drumming website: https://www.worldmusicdrumming.com/

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/

Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany [http://www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany]   
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic [http://www.facebook.com/westmusic]   
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany [http://www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany]   
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic [http://www.twitter.com/westmusic]   
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic [http://www.pinterest.com/westmusic]

Episode 2: Judy Pine’s Advice for Navigating New Music Classrooms

We dive right into our first episode with West Music's president Ryan West as he shares how a chance encounter with a marching band transformed his grandfather Pearl's life - and eventually led to creating one of the nation's most trusted music education partners. In this episode, Ryan reveals how West Music's commitment to "Play now. Play for life." shapes everything from our Music Therapy programs to our partnerships with educators across the country. With candid stories about the company's evolution from a small repair shop to a comprehensive music education resource, Ryan discusses West Music's dedication to being more than just a supplier - but a true partner who understands educators' needs and challenges. Whether you're looking for classroom inspiration, program development guidance, or simply want to hear which instrument Ryan thinks is most underrated (spoiler: it might be in your elementary music room!), this episode is for you!

Learn more about this podcast at https://www.westmusic.com/playnowplayforlife
Visit our website for all of your musical needs! https://www.westmusic.com/
Follow us on social media!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/westmusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/westmusiccompany     
Facebook: www.facebook.com/westmusic   
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@westmusiccompany    
X: www.twitter.com/westmusic   
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/westmusic

Episode 1: Ryan West Shares the Story Behind West Music

For music educators, by music educators: Play Now, Play for Life is a podcast by West Music, hosted by Aaron Hansen, a former music educator for 29 years. Each episode, Aaron talks to a new music expert and dives into their tried-and-true ways, insights, and tips for the classroom. Tune in for a breath of fresh air for your lessons so you can empower the next generation of musicians.

West Music

Shows