Shows
Classroom Narratives: Healing in EducationSafe, for Now: Boundaries, Dissonance, and the Cost of Caring with Megan Farison📖 Episodic Synopsis What does it mean to keep students safe—and what happens when it costs you everything? In this episode, I sit down with Megan Farison, author of Dissonance and a passionate music educator, to unpack the delicate intersections of trauma, boundaries, and educator resilience. Together, we explore what it looks like to build trust in the classroom while navigating the invisible scars of your own past. From micro-moments of connection to the macro-systems that fail our youth, this is a raw and necessary conversation for anyone who’s ever tried to do the right thing in an i...2025-05-2847 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 41: Safe, for Now with Dr. Joey WeislerTraumatic events shape our lives in a multitude of ways. For Dr. Joey Weisler, the 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida was one of those events. In this episode, Dr. Joey opens up about his journey of transforming "scars into stars," and how his experiences have shaped the way he approaches student safety and well-being in the classroom.For additional resources see:Instagram@throneintheclassroom@classroomnarrativespodcastFacebookThe Throne in the ClassroomClassroom Narratives PodcastLinkedInJoseph WeislerWebsite2025-05-2851 min
Band Director Boot Camp"Creating Safer Classrooms: Boundaries, Wellness, and Advocacy with Megan Farison"In this courageous and deeply impactful episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat is joined by music educator, memoirist, and advocate Megan Farison. Megan opens up about the personal story behind her memoir Dissonance and shares her mission to help educators establish safer, more supportive classroom cultures.Together, Lesley and Megan tackle some of the hard conversations our profession needs to be having—including how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, why music educators are in uniquely vulnerable positions, and how to cultivate an emotionally safe environment for both students and teachers....2025-04-2326 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 40: Small Schools, Big Dreams with Matt ShephardMatt Shephard, who has been a finalist for GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year multiple years in a row, shares what it means for small schools to have big dreams. 2025-04-1959 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 39: In the Trenches with Nate DegnerAfter thirty-two years as a beloved choral director, Nate Degner is finally enjoying retirement. In this episode, he looks back on his journey to becoming a music educator, and he offers wisdom to those still in the trenches of teaching.2025-04-1756 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 38: From the Street to the Stage with Stephen RidleyStephen Ridley, an international artist who got his start playing piano in streets all over the world, talks about his transition from performer to teacher. Stephen's Ridley Academy, through its piano masterclass series and personalized mentorship program, has helped over 33,000 fulfill their dreams of learning to play piano.https://www.ridleyacademy.com2025-03-241h 21
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 37: The Path to Prevention with Anna SonodaThis episode is for anyone—parent, educator, counselor, or community member—that works directly with children. As a society, we have a collective responsibility to protect children from harm. This relies heavily on our ability to recognize and respond to harmful behaviors toward children. Clinical social worker and author, Anna Sonoda, spent years counseling convicted sex offenders. In her book, “Duck Duck Groom: How a Child Becomes a Target,” Anna reveals the observable patterns that connect all child predators, and she lays out a clear path for interrupting the grooming process before it escalates to abuse.2025-03-161h 24
ChoralosophyEpisode 240: First, Do No Harm with Megan Farison
Grooming isn’t always obvious. It’s a gradual process that can occur in many forms. Educators have a special responsibility to keep our spaces safe.
Power imbalances in schools can create dangerous situations, and veteran music teacher and voice coach Megan Farison knows this firsthand. In this episode, she shares her deeply personal journey through the complex realities of teacher-student relationships—how grooming happens, why boundaries matter, and what educators can do to create safer learning environments.
We discuss:
How grooming can occur subtly in student-teacher dynamics
Why power and influence must be carefu...2025-03-1400 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 36: Taking a Chance on New ComposersRussian-American composer Jane Kozhevnikova shares how she transitioned from jazz pianist and composer to choral composer, and why directors should take more chances on newer works.2025-02-2257 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 35: What Cabaret Can Do with Jace McCloyBass-Baritone Jace McCloy, former teacher at School of Rock Chicago, explores the vocal benefits of cabaret, crooning, and pop music.2025-02-1051 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 34: The State of Education with Mitchell RobinsonMichigan State University Assistant Professor of Music Education and elected member of the State Board of Education provides insight on what teachers, students, and communities are facing at the state and federal level.2025-02-0457 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 33: Functional Musicianship with Stacy DanielsStacy Daniels has a wide range of experience in the field of music education. In this episode, he shares some of the wisdom he's gained, and what he aims to provide every student so that they're equipped not only as musicians but as functioning members of society.2025-02-0350 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 32: New Teacher Questions with Maggie ReedMegan's former high school student, Maggie Reed, seeks advice as she navigates her first year as a professional music educator.2025-01-261h 17
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 31: For the Greater Good with Brittany Chanell JohnsonBrittany Chanell Johnson, the first black woman to conduct the American Pops Orchestra, is on a mission to help her students discover their personal vocal fingerprint. She believes that our individual uniqueness allows us to work best in community with one another. Also, that students can (and should) enjoy an education free of trauma.2025-01-201h 01
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 30: Who Says You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks? with Fiddlin' Mike FerryMike Ferry is a middle school history teacher by day, and a performer and fiddle teacher by night. He founded "The Mindful Fiddlers Club" to help adults overcome personal obstacles and enjoy music through group fiddle lessons.2025-01-1355 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 29: Lifting Up Others' Voices Through Art with Laura BrighamAfter spending time in New York City as a professional musical theater actor, Laura Brigham has been dedicating her life to directing and creating art that amplifies the voices of others in her local Michigan community and beyond. Every year, she hosts an "Art Speaks" event where playwrights from anywhere in the world submit to have their work performed live for the first time.2025-01-041h 12
Equilibrium EchoesGrowing Through TraumaS2, Ep7 - In this conversation, Alyssa Decker interviews Megan Farison about her journey of healing and overcoming trauma. Megan shares her experience of discovering that her high school band director, with whom she had a secret relationship, was arrested for child sexual abuse and pornography. She discusses the challenges of coming to terms with the abuse, navigating the legal process, and dealing with the emotional aftermath. Megan emphasizes the importance of therapy, self-reflection, and the support of loved ones in the healing process. Megan Farison shares her journey of healing from trauma and addiction. She discusses the importance...2024-08-2856 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 28: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry BlackstoneIn this episode, host Megan Farison talks to GRAMMY award winning conductor Jerry Blackstone, who spent thirty years of his teaching career at the University of Michigan.2024-03-221h 22
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 27: Your Story Isn't Over (Part 3) with Megan Farison and Mackenzie BufisIn this three-part episode, host Megan Farison invites Elephant Alliance Co-Founder Mackenzie Bufis to walk Megan through her personal account of educator sexual misconduct.2024-03-211h 24
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 26: Your Story Isn't Over (Part 2) with Megan Farison and Mackenzie BufisIn this three-part episode, host Megan Farison invites Elephant Alliance Co-Founder Mackenzie Bufis to walk Megan through her personal account of educator sexual misconduct.2024-03-161h 41
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 25: Your Story Isn't Over (Part 1) with Megan Farison and Mackenzie BufisIn this three-part episode, host Megan Farison invites Elephant Alliance Co-Founder Mackenzie Bufis to walk Megan through her personal account of educator sexual misconduct.2024-03-161h 53
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 24: Going Off Script with Singer/Songwriter Spencer LaJoyeHost Megan Farison talks to singer/songwriter Spencer LaJoye about their song "Plowshare Prayer" that went viral in 2021.2024-01-0647 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 23: Vulnerability is the Ticket with Andrea RamseyIn this episode, host Megan Farison shares a conversation with composer Andrea Ramsey on vulnerability, grief, and its impact on art.2023-09-1952 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 22: Imposter Syndrome with Jessica Tippett and Aaron HotellingMichigan music educators Aaron Hotelling and Jessica Tippett share their research on imposter syndrome as it relates to teaching.2023-08-2748 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 21: Eric Cadena on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleIn this episode, Eric Cadena—choir director in East Lansing, Michigan, and an avid leader in the MSVMA scene—talks about Stephen Covey's 7 habits of highly effective people.2023-08-101h 36
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 20: Paying It Forward with Sarah StocktonSarah Stockton, an experienced choir director and music leader in the Michigan, uses a change of career to offer invaluable online resources for music teachers. 2023-05-1349 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 19: Sing a Song Your Whole Life LongIn this episode, host Megan Farison uses Tony Bennett's singing technique to dive into pedagogical strategies for singing the rest of our lives and teaching others to do the same.2023-05-0309 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 18: Dancing Through Life with Natalie SchweikertDance teacher, studio owner and competition coach Natalie Schweikert talks about her experiences with singing and dance.2023-04-291h 12
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 17: Finding Your People with Steven HoltyIn this episode, host Megan Farison interviews chemical engineer Steven Holty about how theater helped him find his people and himself.2023-04-2858 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 16: The Elephant in the Classroom—Preventing Educator Sexual MisconductHost Megan Farison speaks with Mackenzie Bufis and Patty Sampson about their organization The Elephant Alliance, which is aimed at preventing educator sexual misconduct.2023-04-181h 29
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 15: Building Better Human Beings Through the Creative Arts with John JacobsonBefore John Jacobson became a surprise internet sensation for his “Double Dream Hands” YouTube video, he was already an internationally recognized music educator, performer, composer and choreographer. John believes teaching is a “higher calling”, and he’s dedicated his life to improving the lives of children, youth, and adults through music. In this episode, John talks about the story behind Double Dream Hands, growing up in a family of ten children who all became teachers, his career at Disney, latest event projects and resources for educators and students-including America Sings and JJ&Me-and why there's nothing more important than the creati...2021-11-051h 11
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 14: The Choir Director as Vocal Coach-Placing Voices in Your ChoirThis episode is part of a series that explores how the roles of choir director and vocal coach can be united to better serve the needs of individuals in a choral classroom setting. Host Megan Farison uses her experience as a choir director and private voice instructor to offer helpful suggestions for building stronger choirs using vocal pedagogy based strategies. Just like a sports team, the stronger the individual players, the stronger the team!2021-10-0312 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 13: What Great Teaching Can Do with Mac HuffWhat do great teachers have in common? How can we have a lasting, positive impact on our students, colleagues and friends? Educational Arranger, Mac Huff, is a classically trained pianist who found his niche in arranging pop and broadway songs for choral ensembles, and he owes his success to the people who have been highly influential in his life, starting with his father, Mac Huff Sr., a famous barber shopper and world-class coach and presenter. This episode is full of stories that inspire and educate, that teach us what it means to be a great teacher, and how we...2021-09-2648 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 12: Making Music Literacy Accessible and Fun with Emily CrockerEmily Crocker's music has been performed all over the world for decades, and she continues to be a powerful force in the world of music creation and education. In the past thirty-five years, Emily has taught in the public school system, became Vice President of Choral Publications at Hal Leonard, and, in 1994, founded the the Milwaukee Children's Choir. Her newest resource for choral classrooms, Sound Patterns, helps to break down the process of reading music in a way that is both accessible and fun for students. In this episode, Emily shares her journey of becoming a teacher and composer...2021-09-2650 min
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 11: Lighting a Fire in Your Students with Cristi Cary MillerHow do we light a fire in the hearts and minds of our students? What are practical ways we can meet students where they are and help them to become successful? In this episode, Cristi Cary Miller shares the story of how she went from a middle-of-the-road clarinet player to a nationally recognized master teacher, conductor, composer and arranger. Cristi offers her energy, enthusiasm, and perspective on what we can do as teachers to get kids excited about choir, how to provide the tools they need for growth and success, and she talks about her recently published resources for...2021-09-261h 05
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 10: A Conversation with Roger EmersonIn the words of Roger Emerson, "I will compose until I decompose." Roger is a prolific and world renowned composer and arranger whose work has spanned decades. His mother, a professional arranger for live radio in the 1930s and 1940s, brought Roger into a world of music that formed the basis for his eventual career path. Roger is not only a writer of music but a teacher, performer, presenter, friend, husband and father. In this episode. Roger offers insight on his music, on teaching, composing, copyright, his latest projects with Hal Leonard, and his family.2021-08-241h 16
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 9: Hearing the Music with Dexter BrighamWhen Dexter Brigham was eight-years-old, he auditioned for the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey, which set him on a path to one day becoming a professional opera and musical theater performer. But just when everything seemed to be going right-landing national tours, starting a theater company, meeting the love of his life-he noticed strange occurrences with his hearing. He would later discover he has a rare condition, Meniere's Disease, for which there is no cause and no cure. In this episode, Dexter opens up about his life with the American Boychoir School, his encounters with Jessye Norman...2021-08-141h 23
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 8: Leaving a Legacy with Rick and Rod BusheyIn this episode, I sit down with my high school choir director, Richard (Rick), and his brother, Rod, both of whom are retired from highly successful careers in secondary choral music education. Together, they share stories and advice for teachers at any age and any stage: recruitment, student leadership, literature, relationships, and they reflect on the decades of memories they've made sharing their love of music with students, family, and community.2021-07-031h 07
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 7: Creating Meaningful Experiences for Singers and Audiences with Virginia KerwinMusic educator and organization leader, Virginia (Ginny) Kerwin, has inspired people of all ages to experience music in a way that is personal and impactful. Ginny has been an elementary music teacher, secondary and university-level choir director, she served as the Executive Director of MSVMA (Michigan School of Vocal Music Association) for 20 years, and she is the Founding Director of Voca Lyrica, an adult women's choir based in Big Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, Ginny shares her reflections on leadership, teaching, and ways we can all create deeper, more meaningful experiences for our singers and audiences.2021-07-031h 02
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 6: The Unsinkable Molly Grace YoungMolly Grace Young was born into a musical family, so music and performing have always been a part of her life. When she discovered she had cancer at the age of twenty-nine, Molly found a way to shine light into the darkness of despair and uncertainty by using her love of music, knack for comedy, and talent as a performer to make the world a less scary and more joy-filled place for everyone.2021-06-241h 12
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 5: Katie Travis on Broadway, Voice Injury and Vocal HealthWhen soprano and philanthropist Katie Travis graduated from her undergrad program, she immediately moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a Broadway performer. Her ambition and determination (and willingness to take on interesting jobs) led her from one opportunity to the next, until she landed the role that dramatically changed her life. Years later, a traumatic vocal injury would awaken Katie to a new perspective on vocal health, abandoning shame, and embracing a fuller understanding of our voices.Link to SPARK Artistic Mentorship Programhttps://www.bayfoundation.org...2021-06-171h 24
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 4: Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Randy GistBy the world's standards, Randy Gist has made it big in the music business. He is a professional composer, producer, saxophonist, sound designer, orchestrator, and DJ who has performed with celebrity artists like The Jonas Brothers, John Legend, Kesha, Aloe Blacc, and Jamie Foxx. Randy was featured on the FOX hit TV show "Glee" and "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. His DJ-ing gigs include the World Premiere of Disney's live-action Aladdin, Lion King, and Toy Story 4. But what does all this success mean? In this episode, Randy provides a raw and unconventional perspective on how anyone can achieve...2021-06-121h 11
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 3: LGBTQ+ Advocacy in the Choral Classroom and Beyond with Adam Gardner-NorthropHow can we become a champion of social justice in the choral classroom, in our private studios...in our everyday lives? Seasoned Choir and Theater Director, Adam Gardner-Northrop, is passionate about creating a classroom culture of inclusion and diversity. How does Adam begin this process? By sharing his true, authentic self with students, friends, family, and community. This episode provides invaluable information about language, context, and it offers specific strategies for developing music programs that welcome, encourage, and advocate for all human beings. 2021-06-121h 04
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 2: A Life Rich in The Arts with Dr. Brandon JohnsonWhich is more important, possessing natural talent or making a choice to pursue your dreams in the face of challenges and adversity? Dr. Brandon Johnson, Director of Choral Activities at Eastern Michigan University, shares the story of how persistence, perseverance, and “finding the right fit” have guided him as a musician and teacher throughout life. 2021-06-121h 00
Sing, Coach, ConductEpisode 1: The Music of Living with Megan FarisonSometimes, the most difficult seasons of life can inspire the greatest moments of growth and creativity. Artists know this better than anyone. We live to create, to find beauty in the world, and to give back to those who have helped us become the musicians and people we are today. The premier episode of Sing, Coach, Conduct is a behind-the-scenes look into the life of Host Megan Farison, her career as a musician and educator, and how the world of Sing, Coach, Conduct came to be.2021-06-1215 min