Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

About Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

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!

Publisher

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

Category

education · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Sept 2025

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

9 of 24 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Cristian Măcelaru: Score Study with Boulez, Rehearsal Strategy, and the Paris Olympics

   Conductor Cristian Măcelaru shares his score study philosophy, rehearsal strategies, and behind-the-scenes stories from the Paris Olympics with hosts Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas in this interview.

2. 

   9 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Darcy Vogt Williams: Building 600-Student Cultures, Inviting Growth Critique, and Avoiding Burnout

   Host Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas interview Darcy Vogt Williams, Head Director at Stiles Middle School, about building large student cultures and avoiding burnout.

3. 

   12 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   The First Vod: Summer Shore, HybridNow & Exciting New Releases! 🎬🎺

   Host Brian Balmages and Host Chris Bernotas discuss summer travels and unveil exciting new Alfred Music and MakeMusic releases in this interview.

Inside a recent episode

Cristian Măcelaru: Score Study with Boulez, Rehearsal Strategy, and the Paris Olympics

Published 23 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] No, they need to be guided into understanding the meaning behind the music that we make. And this is the both wonderful and mystical thing about music. I need to have a story to tell in order for someone else to understand music, but they don't understand the story that I have. They understand that I'm telling a story, and then in their mind, the music that I'm making, as if I were telling a story, becomes a story that they make up themselves. You know what I mean? So this is why the connection in music is so magical. If you make music only to the point where it remains abstract sounds, that are loud, soft, you know, just executed in a certain way. […]

Who has been a guest on Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Cristian Măcelaru
• Darcy Vogt Williams
• Marianne White
• Cheryl Floyd

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

36 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

26 ratings

Contact Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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