In the world of music education, professional development (PD) has often been an underexplored area, especially in terms of addressing the specific needs of teachers working in general music classrooms. Bryson Tarbet, founder of That Music Teacher, LLC, is transforming this landscape by providing educators with access to content-specific training designed to inspire and equip them to create more inclusive and engaging classrooms. Through events such as the Elementary Music Summit® and the Middle School Music Summit™, scheduled for October 19th, Tarbet has impacted tens of thousands of music educators worldwide, ensuring they have the tools and resources to deliver meaningful musical experiences to their students

A Passion for Inclusive Music Education

Bryson Tarbet’s dedication to music education is rooted in his personal experience as both an educator and a neurodiverse individual. With a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Music in Music Education from Capital University, where he focused on Kodály pedagogy, Tarbet has always been passionate about creating learning environments that meet the diverse needs of all students. His background in working with students with disabilities gives him a unique perspective on how music can be a powerful tool for inclusion, and he has made it his mission to ensure that teachers are prepared to address the sensory, emotional, and cognitive needs of their students.

Drawing from his experience as a former PreK-6th grade general music teacher, Tarbet transitioned to become a full-time instructional coach, where he could focus on his vision for professional development in music education. His approach emphasizes the importance of equipping educators with content-specific skills and knowledge that go beyond general PD offerings. As Tarbet himself states, “Music is innately human, that’s why I initially went into music education. But we aren’t providing our teachers with the content-specific professional development that they need to make sure they can tap into each student’s unique musicality.”

The Elementary Music Summit®: A Global Platform for Teachers

One of the key initiatives under That Music Teacher, LLC is the Elementary Music Summit®, a virtual professional development event designed specifically for elementary music educators. What sets this summit apart is its accessibility—teachers from all over the world, regardless of their geographic location or financial constraints, can participate and gain valuable insights from leading music education professionals. The summit offers a wealth of resources, including live sessions, recorded presentations, and practical teaching strategies that educators can immediately implement in their classrooms.

Since its inception, the Elementary Music Summit® has welcomed over tens of thousands music educators from around the globe. This broad reach highlights the demand for specialized PD in music education, as well as Tarbet’s ability to curate content that resonates with teachers in a wide range of educational settings. The event not only provides instructional resources but also fosters a sense of community among music educators, allowing them to share challenges, successes, and creative solutions with one another.

Expanding Horizons: The Middle School Music Summit™

Building on the success of the Elementary Music Summit®, Bryson Tarbet and his team are set to launch the Middle School Music Summit™ on October 19th. This event aims to address the unique challenges faced by educators working with older students. Middle school is often a time of transition for students, and music educators must navigate not only the developmental changes their students are experiencing but also the need to foster continued engagement in music.

The Middle School Music Summit™ will provide educators with specialized content that focuses on creating age-appropriate, inclusive, and emotionally supportive music classrooms. Like its elementary counterpart, the summit will be accessible to educators worldwide and will feature a mix of live and recorded sessions, giving teachers the flexibility to learn at their own pace. This upcoming event is a testament to Tarbet’s commitment to ensuring that all music educators, regardless of the age group they teach, have access to high-quality, content-specific PD that meets their needs.

Making Professional Development Accessible for All

A major driving force behind Bryson Tarbet’s work is the belief that professional development should be accessible to all educators, regardless of their financial situation. Through That Music Teacher, LLC, he has made it a priority to offer PD opportunities that are affordable, and in some cases, free of charge, allowing teachers from diverse backgrounds to participate. This is particularly important in the field of music education, where resources for PD can be scarce and teachers are often left to seek out their own opportunities for growth.

By removing financial barriers, Tarbet is ensuring that teachers everywhere can continue to develop their skills and bring new ideas into their classrooms. His focus on inclusive and content-specific PD is not just about improving music instruction; it’s about empowering teachers to make a lasting impact on their students’ lives.

That Music Podcast: Extending the Reach of PD

In addition to the summits, Bryson Tarbet also hosts That Music Podcast, a popular resource for music educators looking for practical advice and inspiration. Through the podcast, Tarbet interviews fellow educators, shares teaching tips, and explores new trends in music education. The podcast has become an extension of his mission to make specialized knowledge and strategies accessible to teachers everywhere, allowing them to learn and grow regardless of where they are in their teaching journey.

Reimagining the Future of Music Education

Bryson Tarbet’s work with That Music Teacher, LLC is not just about providing professional development; it’s about reimagining what PD can be for music educators. His commitment to creating accessible, content-specific training is helping teachers around the world create classrooms where every student’s unique musicality is nurtured and celebrated. Through the Elementary Music Summit®, the upcoming Middle School Music Summit™, and That Music Podcast, Tarbet is making a profound impact on music education, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the tools they need to inspire the next generation of musicians.

For more information about Bryson Tarbet’s work and upcoming professional development opportunities, visit That Music Teacher or follow him on social media at Instagram and Facebook.

Published By: Aize Perez