Musical Life Podcast
Hello there, wonderful parents of budding musicians young and mature! I’m thrilled to welcome you to “Musical Life,” the podcast crafted just for you. This is Julie Chambers, the heart behind Chambers Music Studio, and I’m excited to share this space with all of you dedicated parents who are nurturing the musical talents of your young ones.
Now, let me assure you that even though these episodes are inspired by the questions, concerns, and invaluable insights we’ve gathered at our music school, Chambers Music Studio, this podcast is a welcoming haven for all students and families. It’s a space where we can all come together, learn, be inspired, and uncover the magic of you and your child’s true musical self.
Consider “Musical Life” your go-to support podcast, a virtual gathering where we delve into topics that will make your child’s music lesson journey a resounding success. We’ll talk about everything from the initial steps of picking an instrument to the delightful moments of musical discovery. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, and we’re here to navigate it together.
In the upcoming episodes, you can expect tips on creating a musical environment at home, insights into understanding your child’s musical preferences, and guidance on fostering a love for music that lasts a lifetime. We’ll dive into the joys, challenges, and triumphs that come with nurturing the musical spark in your little one.
So, whether you’re a seasoned musical mom or just starting on this melodic adventure, “Musical Life” is here for you. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s make this musical journey a harmonious and joyous one. Because here at Chambers Music Studio, we believe that every student has a unique musical gift waiting to be discovered, and we’re here to help you uncover it.
Thank you for joining us on “Musical Life.” I can’t wait to share this musical journey with each and every one of you. Stay tuned, and let the music begin!
Welcome to Musical Life, the podcast that celebrates the stories and moments that define our connection to music. Each episode, we talk with musicians, teachers, and music lovers to uncover the experiences that shape their musical journeys—from first lessons to memorable performances.
We also share practical tips to help you create a more fulfilling musical life, whether you're a seasoned musician, a beginner, or just looking for inspiration.
Join us as we explore the transformative power of music and the ways it connects us all. This is Musical Life.
Claire Cressman, a sixth-grade science teacher at Worthingway Middle School, began her musical journey at a young age, exposed to classical music by her father and an organist at her church. At age three, she started dancing, a passion she continued for fifteen years, with tap being her favorite style. In fifth grade, she joined her school's band, playing the clarinet because her name was Claire and it sounded like "clarinet". She continued with choir throughout her high school experience. Although she did not pursue music in college at Ohio State, she knew she wanted to incorporate it into her future classroom.
Claire incorporates music into her science classroom because she believes it is a significant part of a teenager's life and helps them remember concepts. She creates songs for specific topics by changing the lyrics of popular songs, such as adapting Chappell Roan's "Hot to Go" to "Hot to Cold" for a lesson on thermal energy, and using Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" for another topic. She has a YouTube channel where she posts these songs and music videos with her students. Her inspiration for this teaching method came from two of her own teachers: her third-grade teacher, Mrs. U, who taught her to spell "awesome" with a song, and her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Steinmetz, who taught her the definition of "range" by having them act like Beyoncé.
Claire’s favorite part of incorporating music is seeing the students get excited and having them tell her that her songs helped them on tests. She noted that sometimes students are shy and will just stare at her, especially in the morning classes. However, she keeps doing it because she believes it is part of showing her students that they can be themselves and find joy in learning. Claire feels that if students see their teacher being themselves, they are much more likely to do it as well.
Are You Ready For Your Musical Journey?
We believe in providing a comprehensive musical education. Our private music lessons incorporate sight-reading, ear-training, music history, musicianship, musicality, and proper technique.
Mission
Saving the world through music education.
Vision
People with a lifelong love of music.
Values
🎯 Inspire Leaders
- Take initiative—like starting new programs, suggesting improvements, or jumping in when something needs to be done.
- Encourage students to lead: letting them take charge of warmups, set goals, or mentor peers.
- Model leadership by showing integrity, professionalism, and positivity in every interaction.
- Support each other as leaders by stepping up and having a “we, not me” mindset.
🤝 Strengthen Community
- Help others—even when there’s no direct benefit to you. This could mean covering a shift, supporting a teammate, or offering encouragement.
- Keep our shared spaces clean, welcoming, and functional for all students and families.
- Join internal committees or volunteer to help at events—contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
- Build relationships with students and families by showing care beyond just the music lesson.
🎨 Spark Creativity
- Find creative solutions instead of waiting for someone else to fix a problem.
- Embrace new ways of teaching, scheduling, or organizing when they help us grow.
- Encourage students to explore and express themselves—through composition, interpretation, or improvisation.
- Think outside the box when something isn’t working—whether in a lesson plan, workflow, or communication challenge.
⚡ Swift Excellence
- Always reflect on your performance and ask, “What can I do better next time?”
- Deliver work that’s thoughtful and well-done, even if it’s not perfect—because progress is more important than perfection.
- Respect people’s time and energy by being prepared and efficient.
- Make smart use of tools like lesson notes, self-assessments, and shared resources to support continuous growth.
💗 Hustle With Heart
- Be prepared, show up fully, and give your best to each student and each task.
- Work hard and joyfully—bringing energy, kindness, and a sense of fun to the studio.
- Go the extra mile for students, families, and teammates, because you genuinely care.
- Combine a strong work ethic with compassion, humor, and purpose.
Show Notes and Transcripts
Episode 1: Welcome to Musical Life
Episode 2: Practice Makes Perfect
Episode 3: Interview with Christine Overway
Episode 4: Benefits of Music Education Tea Chat
Episode 5: Summer Break: To Take or Not To Take?
Episode 8: Columbus Percussion Teacher Spotlight- Jim Lindroth
Episode 9: Bexley Piano Instructor Interview- Ejiela Agi
Episode 10: Bexley Singing Interview- Henry Seifried
Episode 11: Speech Therapist Interview
Episode 12: Bexley Piano Student Interview: Jacob Schuman
Episode 13: Worthington Trumpet Teacher Interview: Gavin Newton
Episode 14: Columbus Adult Bass Guitar Student Interview: Brendan T Chambers
Episode 15: Westerville Flute Instructor Interview: Sarah Ministeri
Episode 16: Columbus Singing Student Interview: Ayla Krempels
Episode 17: Columbus Singing Student Interview: River Cahoon
Episode 18: Vocal Coaching, Vocal Health, and the Wicked Movie Adaptation
