189 | How to Make Music Class More Accessible for All Students with David Bedard

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of That Music Podcast , Bryson sits down with David Bedard—educator, preschool teacher, and longtime advocate for inclusive music education. You may remember David from his energetic presentation at the Elementary Music Summit, and in today’s conversation, he brings that same heart and insight to a discussion centered on accessibility in the music classroom. Together, David and Bryson explore the barriers students face in traditional music education, the importance of student agency, and how educators can begin to shift their mindset toward more inclusive, empowering practices. David shares how his work at Daniel’s Music Foundation and as a preschool teacher continually reinforces the transformative power of music, no matter a person’s age or ability. You’ll leave this episode inspired and equipped with new perspectives to serve all learners in your classroom better. This conversation is just the beginning! David will be leading a masterclass inside That Music Teacher Community, where he’ll go even deeper into strategies for accessible and inclusive music teaching. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 5:08 The Biggest Barriers Students Face in Traditional Music Education 9:32 What Sparked David’s Passion for Accessibility in the Music Classroom 13:19 Small Shifts, Big Impact: Creating a More Inclusive Environment 18:26 Practical Ways to Adapt Music Activities for Students with Disabilities 23:18 Debunking Common Myths About Accessibility in Music Education 27:56 A Sneak Peek at David’s Masterclass for That Music Teacher Community 31:39 Takeaways Links and Resources: Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you! Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

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