The Score Podcast

Huge thank you to TMEA, Jennifer, and the IDEA Committee for inviting us to record a live episode of The Score Podcast at the 2026 TMEA Convention. We are truly grateful for the opportunity and the trust.

Special thanks to our incredible guests Samara Martinez, Shirron Hawkins, and Sarah Lopes for sharing their insight, experience, and corazón ♥️ with our listeners. When we started this podcast back in 2019, we honestly believed that the kinds of conversations we were having might keep us from ever being invited into spaces like this. Being back at TMEA for our second live podcast, surrounded by former guests, former students, colleagues, professors and administrators, was incredibly meaningful.

This morning was special. Thank you for the support, the leadership, the friendships, and the relationships that grew through this work. Most of all, thank you for allowing us to use this platform to highlight amazing educators and the powerful stories happening in classrooms every day.

🚨 TMEA 2026 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

It’s official. We’re taking 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 🎶 LIVE at TMEA 2026! 🎙️

Join Justin and Eric alongside our incredible confirmed guests
✨ Shirron Hawkins
✨ Sarah Lopes
✨ Samara Martinez

for a real, honest, and energizing conversation about how we connect with students by honoring the music they already love—and what that looks like in real classrooms, real programs, and real lives.

This will be interactive, reflective, and rooted in practice. Come ready to listen, laugh, and leave with ideas you can use immediately.

📍 TMEA 2026 | San Antonio
🗓 Friday, 9:30–10:30 AM
🎧 CC LDR – River Level (Grotto)

Can’t make it? No worries. The full session will drop on the podcast.
👉 Follow the link in our bio to subscribe and stay connected.

Real. Reflective. Refreshing. 🎶✨
Thank you, Michelle DeVall from Austin ISD, for your kind words!

We design sessions that go beyond surface-level PD — helping educators build authentic connections, reenergize their practice, and celebrate culture through music.

🎤 Ready to bring Revival Music Project to your next district PD or keynote event?
📧 [email protected]
🔗 revivalmusicproject.org

Our Co-Hosts Eric + Justin returned HOME to the Hill for Homecoming! ☝🏼 💜💛

🎙 Episode 120 is here!
The Art of Band is The Art of War 🎶

Eric and Justin talk with Christopher Herrero, Director of Bands at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans — a proud alum and the first Latino Tuba Section Leader at Jackson State University.

Now leading the very program that raised him, Christopher shares how he rebuilt membership, inspired pride, and turned the band room into a place of excellence, family, and focus.

▶️ Listen now: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast
📢 Tag a band director who’ll feel this one!

🎙 Episode 119 is here!

If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me 🎶

Eric and Justin sit down with Dr. Derrick Fox (), Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Research, and Creative Endeavors and Associate Director of Choral Programs at Michigan State University College of Music.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Fox shares his journey of self-determination, leadership, and resilience — reminding us that growth begins when we take ownership of our path. From his experiences in choral education to his vision for empowering future leaders, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation for educators everywhere.

▶️ Listen now: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

📢 Tag a music educator who embodies leadership and perseverance!

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

We’re bringing 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 🎶 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

🎙️ Join Justin and Eric, plus special guests, as we take the podcast to the stage for an inspiring and interactive conversation about connecting with students through the music that moves them.

📍 TMEA 2026 – San Antonio

🎧 Can’t make it? Subscribe to the podcast and catch the full session when it drops!

👉 Follow the link in our bio to listen & stay updated!

🎙 Episode 118 is here!

Más Que Música: Identity & Accessibility in Music Education 🎶

Eric and Justin sit down with Daniel Flores () to talk about his journey starting the first collegiate mariachi in Illinois, advocating for underrepresented genres, and making music education more accessible for all students.

▶️ Listen now: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

📢 Tag a music educator who’s working to make music more accessible!

🎙 The Score Podcast @ TMEA 2026?! 👀
Big things are coming…

Who’s planning to be there? 👇

🎙 Episode 117 is here!
Classroom Culture & Discipline – Without Killing the Joy 🎶

Eric and Justin dive into one of the toughest parts of teaching music: setting expectations and managing discipline while keeping the classroom fun, creative, and student-centered.

▶️ Listen now: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

📢 Tag a music teacher who’s building their classroom culture this year!

🎙 Episode 116 is here!

Back to School in Music Education – Lessons from the Podium & the Classroom 🎶

Eric and Justin are sharing stories, laughs, and real talk about starting the year strong—from high school ensembles to elementary classrooms.

▶️ Listen now: https://linktr.ee/thescorepodcast

📢 Tag a music teacher who’s ready to crush this school year!