Beyond the Measure: A Podcast for Music Educators
Listen as Christian, a young composer, and Kara, a young choir director, interview music teachers of all kinds in order to learn everything they can about music education. This is the perfect podcast for beginning and veteran music educators alike, as well as composers and music students. Whether you teach choir, band, orchestra, or something else, all are welcome! It's time to go beyond the measure.
Brought to you by Christian Fortner Music.
- Update frequency
- every 12 days
- Average duration
- 52 minutes
- Episodes
- 50
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
#50: Making the Ensemble a Home for Students | With Brenda Justice
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In our final episode of Season 2, we are beyond thrilled to have Brenda Justice, former choir director at Rouse High School, as our final guest - Christian's …
#49: Focusing on What Matters Most in the Music Classroom
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In this episode, Kara tells us about the growth she has experienced in the past year as an educator. One of the biggest areas has been a mindset-shift in focu…
#48: Why Diversifying Your Musical Skillset Matters | With Cody Hutcheson
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In this episode, Cody Hutcheson, Composer and Assistant Professor of Piano at Howard Payne University, joins us to discuss the variety of experiences he has h…
#47: Vocal Pedagogy for the Choral Ensemble | With Francis Cathlina
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In this episode, Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, joins us to discuss multiple techniques for improving your …
#46: How to Commission a Composer (and Why You Should)
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In our first-ever "solo" episode, Christian explains the process of commissioning composers - having a composer write a brand new piece of music for your ense…
#45: Breaking the Small School Stigma | With Bryce Gage
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Our first guest of 2025 is Mr. Bryce Gage, choir director at Marble Falls High School! Having worked at a 4A program for many years now, Bryce gives us all th…
#44: How to Make the Most of Your Circumstances | With Diane Harper
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Mrs. Diane Harper joins us on the podcast to talk about her experience in the classroom, and how she dealt with the many obstacles she faced. Now a retired or…
#43: The Beauty of Lessons and Carols Services | With Chris Rosborough
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This week, we have Dr. Chris Rosborough, Director of Choral Activities at Howard Payne University joins us on the show to discuss how Lessons and Carols servi…
#42: The Power of Traditions in an Ensemble | With Jay Lester (Part 2)
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In the second part of our interview with HSU Cowboy Band Director Jay Lester, we learn about the different traditions the he incorporates in his band - and ho…
#41: Through the Eyes of an Administrator | With Jay Lester (Part 1)
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This week, former Fine Arts Director of Abilene ISD Jay Lester joins us to discuss the many roles that an administrator plays in music education. He also show…
#40: How to Leave a Lasting Legacy | With Loyd Hawthorne
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We had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Loyd Hawthorne to learn how he impacted the lives of countless students over the course of his career. From conducti…
#39: Tone Sets the Tone for Success | With Mary Jane Phillips (Part 2)
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In the second part of our interview with Mary Jane Phillips, we learn the story behind her ensembles' successes - and how great tone quality in her groups was…
#38: Middle School Music Hacks | With Mary Jane Phillips (Part 1)
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We are excited to welcome Mary Jane Phillips onto the show, who is a well-known mentor for choir directors across the country and co-author of the SOS sight-r…
#37: Student Connection as the Foundation of Music-Making | With Mike Lunney
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Welcome to the first episode of Beyond the Measure - Season 2!
Many of us get so caught up in creating music that we forget that we are actually creating leade…
#36: The Importance of Honesty to Students... And Yourself | With Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit
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Welcome to end of "Season 1" of Beyond the Measure! Our final guest is Tanatchaya (Tanya) Chanphanitpornkit, who is the orchestra director of many different e…
#35: How To Grow Your Conducting Skills | With Andrew Kim
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We've all heard that there is much more beneath the "tip of the iceberg" when it comes to conducting, but what does that actually look like? And what best pra…
#34: Acknowledging What Skills Need to Improve | With Andrea Cruz
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Being in a profession like music education comes with a lot of scrutiny. This can cause a lot of stress on us and make us afraid to be truly vulnerable - and …
#33: Creating the Right Tone - in Music AND in Leadership | With Brandon Farren
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This week, Brandon Farren, head choral director at Canyon High School, joins us to discuss how directors can maintain a healthy tone in their ensemble - both …
#32: The Future of Music Education | With Stephen Cox
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In this episode, Grammy Award-winner Stephen Cox joins us to discuss how the current systems in the music education field will make an impact on the future of…
#31: Finding Balance and Renewal in the Music Profession | With Frank Eychaner (Part 2)
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This is the second part of our interview with Dr. Frank Eychaner, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Arkansas. Frank discusses ways th…