7.2: Learning Guitar with Dan from Moosiko

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Dan Mascola, founder and CEO of Moosiko, to talk about how he started a music learning Ed Tech Company. Moosiko has been a long time partner of F-flat Books and Sarah and Dan have much in common--from growing a business through the ups and downs of the pandemic to learning the same 90s song on the guitar as their first intro to the instrument. Tune in to learn more about Moosiko and valuable lessons from the life of two entrepreneurs!You can learn more about Moosiko and sign up for free lessons here: https://moosiko.com/k12/

Student voice and choice are increasingly talked about in education but how do we practically give students agency to engage in large scale musical products? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Kevin Longwill and Luis Aguilar to talk about an album project they completed with their students in the spring of 2026. In this episode, they share more about their program, process, and outcome of creating an album of original music with students. Listen in and get inspired! This podcast episode is sponsored by Moosiko. If you teach a school guitar, piano, ukulele, or modern band program, and you've been struggling to keep your kids engaged, Moosiko's Music EdTech platform could be a good solution. Used by 500 teachers and 20,000 students, their easy-to-use, structured learning platform makes practicing fun by breaking songs down into bite-sized pieces so any student, at any skill level, can feel a sense of accomplishment on their musical journey. Their massive song catalog and asset library saves teachers a few hours every week from having to hunt down lead sheets or create audio files for lesson plans. And their skill tracking and video tools makes it easy for teachers to keep tabs on which students are struggling and which are succeeding. Go to moosiko.com/k12 for more info and to signup for a free teacher account.Links from the show: Listen the full album from M3: https://ffm.to/em3rgenceLearn more about how to release music with students (free download): https://fflat-books.com/product/quick-guide-to-releasing-musicCheck out Sarah's book on "How to Release Music": https://global.oup.com/academic/product/how-to-release-music-9780197761199?lang=en&cc=us

Creating a learning environment where all students can engage and be successful is a key part of being an educator, but we don’t always know the best ways to achieve that goal. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Judith Jellison, an accomplished teacher and researcher in music and special education, about her experience working with students of all abilities and how to approach music education with every student's success in mind. 

In this episode, Dr. Melago discusses her new Woodwind Methods Practice book--a book written specifically for students and educators to use in the practice room to build their fundamental skills on each woodwind instrument. Dr. Melago shares why she saw a need for this book and how her years of teaching various structures of woodwind methods courses informed its content. You can find Dr. Melago's Woodwind Methods Practice book on F-flat books in digital form, and is also available in print!  https://fflat-books.com/product/woodwind-methods-practice-book/

We're back with a new Musicast episode!Shoutout to our incredible Music Service Learning intern, Natalie Reitzes, for curating and creating this episode. How can we create spaces that connect music education, industry, and performance? In this episode, we learn all about the "Musikfest Music Industry Conference," an incredible event happening in August 2026 that combines music educators and music industry professionals in one, inspirational space. Learn more about how you can get involved and join F-flat Authors in providing our kids with industry opportunities. You can learn more about the conference and featured speakers here: https://www.artsquest.org/musikfest-music-industry-conference/

In this episode, Sarah sits down with bestselling children's book author, literary agent, and music educator, Vicky Weber!Vicky has been behind the scenes at F-flat for the past 2.5 years, helping our team move into print publishing and expanding our reach. In this conversation, they talk about Vicky's first step to becoming a published author, what she wishes everyone knew about the publishing industry, and ways that others can connect with her and follow their passion! You can learn more about Vicky and all of the things that she does here: https://vickyweberbooks.substack.com/p/start-hereAnd, you can sign up for the picture book conference here: https://www.allthingspicturebooks.com/pbcc

Sarah sits down with veteran choral educator, Anola Douglas, to discuss strategies for connecting with kids and getting them EXCITED about coming to music class! Her latest book, "Teaching the Apathetic Choir," breaks down some of Anola's favorite activities and mindset shifts that can bring joy back to the classroom. You can learn more about her book and grab the eBook version here: https://fflat-books.com/product/teaching-the-apathetic-choir/Or the physical version here: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Apathetic-Choir-Strategies-Unmotivated/dp/1639911499Plus, check out the other resources Anola mentioned. Rock Paper Scissors: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rock-Paper-Scissors-Rhythm-10111557Choir workbook: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Singers-Workbook-9770913

It's our first episode of season 6!Join Dr. Sarah Gulish, co-founder and CEO of F-flat Books, in conversation with publishing assistant Tayler Hill. Sarah and Tayler talk about the publishing industry, how Tayler got involved in writing and editing, and what they're suppperrrrr excited for this fall (Hint: it's a book that will make you laugh and cry). Shoutout to Vicky Weber for introducing us to Tayler and to all of the authors who have contributed to our first anthology!Links Shared in the episode: Tayler's Instagram: @folkandtalespress @taylerhillauthorVicky's Instagram: @vickyweberbooks @athomeauthorWebsites:https://www.folkandtales.com/https://www.folkandtales.com/lead-collectionhttps://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TheGildedPagePresshttps://www.athomeauthor.com/

This episode of Musicast is a little different and a little more personal as Jen is joined by her husband Matt to talk about what it's like to be a spouse of a music teacher. From navigating concert season to the ups and downs of advocating for music education to the crazy schedules, this episode gives a look behind the curtain at good ways to support your music educator through it all. Hope you enjoy the last episode of this season!

On today's episode, Jen connects with Charlie DiCarne and Beth Beccone of Peak Travel to discuss the benefits, challenges, and funny stories of student trips. All three share their own experiences of organizing student travel and the impact it has made on their groups. Whether it's an overnight trip or a two-week summer sojourn, student travel is always a rewarding experience. You can learn more about Peak here: https://peakgrouptravel.com/