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

That Music Podcast: A Podcast for Elementary Music Teachers

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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 [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you!