Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas in conjunction with Alfred Music and MakeMusic

Episodes 20
Avg. Duration 1h 8m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (36)
Since Sep 2025
Latest Episode May 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
77%
Hosting
api.riverside.fm

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of knowledge from decades in the world of instrumental music. Brian's successful tenure as a composer has made his works a staple in concert halls and classrooms worldwide, while Chris's rich background as a public school music teacher has given him unparalleled insight into the daily realities of the classroom. Now, working together through Alfred Music and MakeMusic, Brian and Chris bring their expertise directly to you. Each episode offers relevant and helpful insights on topics that matter most to music educators. You’ll also hear from a variety of special guests who are leaders in the field, ready to discuss impactful music education trends, rehearsal techniques, and program growth ideas. Whether you're a new teacher looking for foundational tips or a veteran director seeking fresh inspiration, this podcast is designed to be your essential resource. Tune in and get ready to Take Notes!

Podcasting 2.0 Features

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Recent Episodes

S1E17 Cheryl Floyd: Unlocking Musicality, The Power of Rote, and "Show Me Your Dirty Laundry"

May 29, 2026 1h 16m Transcript

In this high-energy "end-of-year" special, Brian and Chris dive into strategies for keeping students engaged during the "final countdown" of the school year. They are then joined by the iconic Cheryl…

S1E16 Omar Thomas: Curiosity, The Power of the Platform, and "Mother of a Revolution"

May 11, 2026 1h 11m Transcript

In one of the most powerful and timely episodes of the season, Brian and Chris sit down with Omar Thomas to discuss his "non-linear" evolution from a 23-year-old Berklee professor to one of the most…

S1E15 Scott Rush: Building Cultures of Trust, Servant Leadership, and the "Teaching Inventory"

May 01, 2026 1h 11m Transcript

In this episode, Brian and Chris open the show with a vulnerable (and hilarious) look at "Fan Mail"—specifically the kind that calls you an idiot. This leads into a profound discussion on Imposter…

The Heart of the School: Teacher Appreciation and the 2025 Spark Award with Amanda Cornet

Apr 17, 2026 1h 11m Transcript

In this heartfelt episode, Brian and Chris celebrate the "Heart of the School"—the teachers. The conversation kicks off with a humorous and nostalgic look at Teacher Appreciation Week (featuring the…

S1E13 Ryan Nowlin: Stewardship, The Non-Linear Path, and The "Why" of Service

Apr 02, 2026 1h 26m Transcript

In this deeply personal and moving episode, Brian and Chris welcome a dear friend and a titan of the wind band world, Ryan Nowlin. From his unexpected start as a "math major just in case" to leading…

S1E12 Alex Shapiro: The Art of the Leap, Digital Connectivity, and the "Heart Business"

Mar 20, 2026 1h 26m Transcript

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, Brian and Chris connect with Alex Shapiro, a composer whose career is a testament to the power of "saying yes" to the unknown. From her roots in…

S1E11 Wayne Bergeron: Studio Magic, Lead Trumpet Secrets, and the Legacy of Gordon Goodwin

Mar 06, 2026 1h 23m Transcript

In this raw and high-energy episode, Brian and Chris sit down with Wayne Bergeron, arguably the most recorded trumpet player of our time. From his "accidental" transition from French horn to trumpet…

S1E10 Jeffrey Grogan: Crossover Conducting, The Artistry of Strings, and Recruiting the Future

Feb 20, 2026 1h 18m

In this dynamic episode, Brian and Chris welcome Jeffrey Grogan, a conductor who famously crossed over from the "dark side" of elite marching bands to the pinnacle of orchestral studies. Jeff shares…

S1E9 Paula Crider: Breaking Barriers, The Power of Storytelling, and Finding Joy in the Note

Feb 06, 2026 1h 12m

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Brian and Chris sit down with Paula Crider, a true pioneer in music education. Paula shares her remarkable journey from a small-town Mississippi…

S1E8 Soon Hee Newbold: Storytelling, Stunts, and the Art of Proving People Wrong

Jan 23, 2026 56m

In this episode, Brian and Chris sit down with one of the most prolific and multifaceted voices in the music industry, Soon Hee Newbold. Longtime friends since their days at James Madison University,…

S1E7 Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser: Longevity, Leadership, and the Art of Authentic Connection

Jan 09, 2026 1h 7m

In this high-energy and deeply moving episode, Brian and Chris sit down with the "icon of positivity," Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser. Known globally for his leadership training and motivational speaking, Dr.…

Midwest Survival Guide: Executive Director Kelly Bell on Essential Tips & Booth Shenanigans

Dec 12, 2025 48m

In this special preview episode, Brian and Chris dedicate the show to all things Midwest Clinic. They welcome Midwest Clinic Executive Director Kelly Bell for crucial logistical and professional…

S1E6 Sustained Excellence: Robert Herrings on High Standards, Pedagogy, and the Power of the Pom-Pom

Dec 05, 2025 1h 14m

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome legendary Texas band director Robert Herrings for an electrifying and honest conversation about achieving sustained excellence. Herrings, known for his…

Legacy of Gratitude: One Student Changed the World & The Community That Shapes Our Lives (Bonus)

Nov 25, 2025 1h 1m Bonus

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Brian and Chris open up about their personal holiday traditions before dedicating the show to gratitude for the music community. The episode is divided into…

S1E5 Rossano Galante: Hollywood Orchestration, Film Scores, and the Blueprint for Heroic Themes

Nov 21, 2025 1h 7m

In this episode, Brian and Chris talk with film orchestrator and celebrated concert band composer Rossano Galante. Rossano shares his journey from Buffalo to Hollywood, studying with the legendary…

S1E4 Beyond the Podium: Annie Ray, Grammy Music Educator, on the True Measures of Success

Nov 07, 2025 1h 9m

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome the dynamic Annie Ray to discuss the true meaning of success in music education. Annie, the 2024 Grammy Music Educator of the Year, shares the profound…

Spooky Stories and Onstage Scares: Our Most Frightening Moments (Bonus Episode)

Oct 30, 2025 53m

In this special Halloween-themed bonus episode, Brian and Chris step away from typical advice to share the most fun, unexpected, and sometimes terrifying moments from their musical careers. They…

S1E3 Humanity First: Soo Han on Empathy, Teaching, and Conducting

Oct 24, 2025 1h 10m

In this deeply insightful episode, Brian and Chris talk with Soo Han about his journey from a child of immigrants who practiced piano on a kitchen table to a conductor of international acclaim. The…

S1E2 Mindset and Mentorship: A Chat with Peter Boonshaft

Oct 10, 2025 51m

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of…

S1E1 Welcome to Take Notes!

Sep 26, 2025 56m

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas have?

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas has published 20 episodes since September 2025, covering topics in Education, Music.

Is Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas still active?

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 1h 8m.

How do I contact Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas for sponsorship or guest appearances?

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