Podcast Recommendations for Arts Teachers
- Connie Ohlmann
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
This month, your Executive has curated a list of podcasts we think you will enjoy. We hope they provide you with some inspirational listening on your drive to work, on a walk, or over your upcoming Spring Break. Enjoy!
Forged
Recommendation by Lorna Walker, Treasurer
Known as the “Picasso of the North,” Norval Morrisseau is one of the most celebrated Indigenous artists in the world. But when a rock star gets a tip about the authenticity of his Morrisseau painting, he uncovers a sinister underworld involving thousands of forged paintings, millions of dollars in profits, multiple fraud rings, and even a suspected murder.
The paintings of celebrated Canadian Indigenous artist, Norval Morriseau, are the source of inspiration for many elementary art projects. This podcast outlines the discovery of a large art crime fraud ring surrounding Morriseau’s paintings.
In this six-part series, from CBC in Canada and ABC Australia, host Adrian Stimson questions what this story tells us about how Indigenous art, and lives, matter - important questions for all who teach the arts in today’s classrooms.
Link to Forged on CBC Podcast, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Why Dance Matters — The Royal Academy of Dance Podcast
Recommended by Victoria Reid, Dance Rep
Why Dance Matters is a beautiful, calm, and easy listening podcast built around thoughtful conversations with extraordinary artists from across the dance world and beyond. As a worldwide organization, the Royal Academy of Dance brings a global perspective that reflects the full breadth and diversity of the dance community.
The podcast features artists from a wide range of backgrounds including Kathak, Bollywood, musical theatre choreography, modern dance, and inclusive theatre practices, creating a rich and inspiring mix of voices. The conversations often explore the power of dance to drive social change, the importance of perseverance, the evolution of dance careers, and the ways dance intersects with other fields such as science.
One especially timely episode is: Misty Copeland: an extraordinary journey in ballet following her surprising appearance at the Oscars 2026 after stepping away from the stage for retirement and injury recovery. It offers a thoughtful look at her journey, her advocacy, and the impact she continues to have on the art form.
“Why Dance Matters – The Royal Academy of Dance Podcast” is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, with episodes also listed on the Royal Academy of Dance website.
Make Artists
Recommendation by Andrew Swainson, Art Rep
From author and Art Educator Ian Sands. I have Sands' book and currently am working to apply even more choice-based and TAB practices in my room. Season 1, Episode 2: "Think Different" is a great place to start.
Make Artists (Ian Sands) is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Ramblings of a Middle School Art Teacher
Recommendation by Andrew Swainson, Art Rep
From Art Educator Kelly Beach. I appreciate the short and bite-sized ramblings of Kelly Beach. An excellent mini-series that is largely applicable to the Middle Years, perfect for playing on the go or during travel to conventions or PD days. "The Language of Art" and "Collaborative Journaling" are very applicable given the current teaching climate of Alberta these days.
IDEA JAMS
Recommendation by Andrew Swainson, Art Rep
(Technically not a podcast, but a monthly Zoom forum) - from the Canadian Network for Imagination and Creativity open to Educators and Creatives from all fields. I've joined and lurked for a few and they were very enlightening. Sign up and you'll get monthly invites, pick and choose which ones to join in on!
IDEA JAMS (CNIC) is a monthly live Zoom series with registration and session details on the CNIC site here.
Music Teacher Coffee Talk
Recommendation by Silken Bruder, Music Rep
Alas, there are only 3 months left in the year. That means many of us music teachers have already begun or are starting to think about year-end performances, concerts, or other music sharing events. Whether you’re a seasoned music teacher looking for fresh ideas or a newbie looking for any ideas at all, the “Music Teacher Coffee Talk” podcast is a fantastic resource. Episode #198 “Concert Program Organization” includes advice on everything from scheduling and rehearsal considerations to classroom teacher and parent help, to advertising! If you’re interested in more concert ideas, also check out Episode #119 “Planning Programs, Concerts and Informances”.
I hope this is helpful, and happy year-end planning!
Tiny Desk Concerts
Recommendation by Connie Ohlmann, Web Manager
While this isn't a podcast, it's worth checking out! Tiny Desk Concerts are a delightful way for you to watch performances by incredible artists in a stripped down, intimate performance. These concerts started in 2008 when Bob Boilen invited folk singer Laura Gibson to perform at his actual desk after a noisy festival made her hard to hear (Source: Wikipedia)
Many famous artists have performed Tiny Desk Concerts including Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Adele, Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller, Usher, Sarah McLachlan... the list is endless! One of my favourites is Allison Russell which is linked above.
CONTENT WARNING: Many of the videos are explicit so please preview before showing these to students.
Comments