Bryson Tarbet is a preK-6th grade general music teacher just outside of Columbus, Ohio. He received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from Ohio Wesleyan University his Master of Music in Music Education with a Kodály emphasis from Capital University.

Bryson spent his first year out of college as part of an elementary school intervention team and he fell in love with working with students with disabilities. Due to this experience, as well as his personal experience as a neurodiverse individual, Bryson feels very strongly about advocating for sensory and emotionally-inclusive classrooms.

Bryson started That Music Teacher, LLC with the goal of sharing different perspectives on issues pertaining to the lives of music educators across the country. He also hosts That Music Podcast, a podcast for elementary music teachers and is the educator behind the Elementary Music Summit.

Trench story: when he was undergrad, had a lot of depression, anxiety. Took huge step back. Had to rebuild his life.

Why do you believe that music is for everyone, even as kids grow older, secondary level? Are we making our educational systems for everyone. Removing barriers to access. It looks like being very precise on how lessons are set up. Have over-the-ear headphones. In general ed CR, we’re not teaching our subject, we’re teaching children. Let st’s express themselves creatively. Put kids on the path to success.

What are accessible classrooms and how can teachers create them? can talk about his classroom with kids with behavioral issues or who are SSN? these ?’s are being asked a lot. Ppl don’t know the answer. When he’s able to ensure students can access the curriculum, they’re more engaged. Increase sensory/emotional regulation. He allows fidgets. Only ½ the lights on. He doesn’t ask kids to do something they’re not able to do. Kindergartners, we have to adjust, for example. Move kids around a lot. Re-engage them into the lesson. It allows students to be successful. He released an episode on Classroom Zones. Kids get to know what those spaces are. He uses claps, songs, while they move to other areas of CR.

How does play-based learning help student development? How to plan for purposeful play and make it relevant to K-4 and 5.6 schools? His position is split between 2 schools, has been at them pretty much whole career He loves play-based learning. Getting engagement higher is helpful. Giving students ingredients, seeing what they can come up with. Like British Bake-Off show. How to sort pile of instruments? Classifying? Working together. Kids have active agency in learning. For gen.ed. how could we let the students take charge? How can we give kids “free reign” and see what happens. On playground they’re learning lots of skills. How can we allow skills to be playful & fun? He loved “Sparkle” when he was a kid. Gamify the learning. How can we make it joyful? Ask the kids! relinquish control.

How has growing up with SPD (Sensory Processing discovering) and ADHD changed your approach to teaching? He did go into college planning on becoming a music teacher. There’s a lot of sensory input in music. Sometimes students have a lot of issues controlling body. He switched languaging. Didn’t say “I need you to..”. Instead said “What can I do to help you?” The student who is giving 120% to focus w/ SPD, allow them to understand how they can advocate for themselves.

Getting into music teaching? went to magnet arts school in 5th grade. HS was in music theater. Wanted to go into HS choir teaching but observed a class, then observed 2nd grade music. Saw joy & ability to make music how they want to.

Why did you create an online business serving other elementary music teachers? That Music Teacher-serves ES music teachers, gives content-specific PD. He’s created it based on what he’s learned throughout the years. Started the business in 2017. Started IG lives, spiraled into the That Music Podcast. Turned into a guest series on IG live. There’s a lack of ES-specific PD. Ohio music edu. the conference doesn’t have a ton for ES teachers. He doesn’t primarily solo episodes but some guests. He spent 1st year after undergrad working in sped. What happens in their CR is one of the best foundations in music. He likes sharing practical tips. The Elementary Music Summit 2400 educators, runs July 10-14. Register at www.elementarymusicsummit.com

Where can ppl find you online? More information about Bryson and That Music Teacher can be found at www.ThatMusicTeacher.com. Bryson can also be found on Instagram and Facebook @ThatMusicTeacher. 

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kof462sfjTU