I am an elementary music educator with over 40 years of experience teaching K–8 students in diverse classrooms. I guide teachers to navigate scaffolded music techniques that simplify planning so they can teach with confidence.
Clear Steps. Confident Teaching
Oodles of Music Is There For You!
Through Oodles of Music, I share a wide variety of resources and ideas to support K–5 music teachers in every part of their classroom journey. On my blog, you’ll find practical lesson strategies, games, and creative approaches across all music subjects, all designed to save time and spark student engagement.
My Orff-inspired resources on TPT give teachers ready-to-use activities, lesson plans, and games that work immediately, while my YouTube channel brings those lessons to life with real classroom demonstrations.
Every Monday, my weekly newsletter delivers timely ideas for the coming week, giving teachers instant inspiration for lessons that are both fun and effective.
I also share my favorite songs, games, and quick tips on TikTok and Instagram, and I connect with the broader music teacher community on Reddit, answering questions and exchanging teaching strategies.
No matter where you prefer to learn or gather ideas, Oodles of Music is there to help teachers simplify planning, build confidence, and bring more joy into their music classrooms.
“For a full list of podcast appearances, published writing, and speaking engagements, visit my Press & Media page.”
Elementary Music Teaching Experience & Credentials
My Degrees & Certification
- Master of Music Ed, Butler University
- Bachelor of Music Ed, Butler University
- Orff Certification-Level I, II, III, Anderson University
- Little Kids Rock Certification (two workshops)
- International Baccalaureate Middle School Certification
Teaching Experience
- Urban-Indianapolis Public Schools, Indianapolis IN-School 37, 69, 70, 84
- Suburban-Washington Twp. Schools, Indianapolis, IN-Allisonville Elementary & Westlane Middle School
- Small Town/Rural-Mt. Pleasant Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant MI (K-5) & Hamilton Hts. Schools, Arcadia, IN (K-5 & 9-12)
- Higher Ed-Mt. Pleasant Community College, Mt. Pleasant MI & Ball State University, Muncie IN
- Lab School-Burris Lab School, Muncie IN (K-8)
- K-8 International Baccalaureate-IPS 70 & 84
My Specialties
- The Orff approach
- Ukulele, guitar, keyboard, recorder, drumming
- Dancing and movement
- Technology in the curriculum
- Global perspectives
- DonorsChoose project writing and funding
- Differentiation
- Centers/Free-choice creation/application
- Concerts, Festivals, and Community-wide Events
Personal Life - I was born and raised in Paris, Ky. My husband and I met at Butler University in Indianapolis. Because my husband was a college football coach, we moved around a bit but ended up back in Indianapolis where my husband retired and I retired from the classroom to begin my encore career with Oodles of Music. My two daughters live in Denver and we love to visit them and their families.
FREE Teacher Resources & Ideas for K-8 Music
Enjoyed my segment on the Crescendo Podcast? I dive deeper into those strategies in my weekly newsletter, plus…
Grab FREEBIES in the Teacher Resource Library, plus a once-a-week email full of the best, time-saving lesson plan ideas!
Hello my name is Karen Dorsey. I teach elementary music in Texas. I have purchased both the “Change In You” and “Change Is You”.
I am unable to access the audio of either song. I was wondering if there is some way I can get a separate audio for those.
Thank you in advance
Karen Dorsey
RCES music
Big Lake, TX
Karen, can you contact me at oodlesofmusic21@gmail.com and we’ll see if I can help? Thank you!
Hello my name is Cindy Moore and I am a teacher in Muskegon Michigan. I purchased the Change is You and I can’t download it. It keeps saying 502 Bad Gateway. Help!
Cindy, it seems to be a TPT sitewide problem. It’s happening to everybody. When I try to go my TPT page it says the same thing-502 Bad Gateway. I’m sure they will fix it so keep trying! If nothing is resolved pretty soon, contact me at oodlesofmusic21@gmail.com.
I’m so very excited to meet you and benefit from your vast amount of helpful resources and expertise! I’ll definitely be sharing with all of my music teacher friends! Extremely thankful to have gotten social media-introduced! 🙂
Likewise! I can’t wait for your pre-school music curriculum to be ready. The parts I’ve seen have been just what teachers need!
Hello from WV. I am a public school music teacher and I love your newsletter and website. I’m actually in a professional development at the moment discussing how our district’s elementary music teachers are looking for presenters or professional development opportunities. Ideally we’d like a presenter willing to come for a day or even a zoom call. Not sure if this is something you do or if you know of anyone in the WV area. Any info would be appreciated.
Hi Kelli! Thanks for the invitation! I’ve done a couple of district PDs but I’d need a bit more information. Email me at oodlesofmusic21@gmail.com and we can talk!