A Podcast For the Music Lovers and Band Geeks Among Us

Even though I’d rate my technological savvy at “moderately above average”, I’m the first to admit that I’m not really in the same league as some of my colleagues here at TeachStreet (ahem). In fact, I may be one of the last folks of my generation to not even own my own ipod. (Gasp! Yes, it is indeed true.)

That said, I know a good thing when I see it. Or in this case, when I hear it.

Though I rarely listen to podcasts, and sometimes (sheepish full disclosure here>) I find them hard to play or download, one of my techie-hip work buddies clued me into the This American Life podcasts, and I have to say… I’m hooked.

Let’s start with the obvious: I’m a long-standing NPR fan — it’s gotten me through many a long morning commute. And don’t even get me started about the joys of listening to Garrison Keillor on a lazy Sunday afternoon. But I have to say that as far as public radio stars are concerned… Ira Glass is just about at the top of my list. And now, the public radio folks have gone and made many of their shows SUPER easy to download to your computer or MP3 player of choice. (Like, easy enough that even I can do it with about two clicks of my mouse.)

Radio’s very own Superman, Ira Glass

So tonight, when I heard this hysterical podcast on music lessons while cruising through some of the “favorite” episodes, I knew I had to share it with you. If you’re like me, this is an easy place to start learning how to download podcasts. But even better, this podcast will hold a special place in your heart if you happen to fall into any of the following categories:

• Any parent, grandparent or sibling who’s sat through long (and I mean LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG) middle school band concerts
• Anyone who understands the subtle but significant difference between the band kids and the orchestra kids
• Anyone who, while in said middle school band or orchestra, had their music teacher go just a little bit crazy
• Anyone who’s well-meaning parent placed them in private music lessons under the illusion that their children would become rich and famous piano (or guitar or flute or drum — insert your instrument of choice here) players
• Folks like me who secretly hold a dear love for the recorder, seeing that it (and the kazoo) might be the only instruments we’ll ever master
• Music lovers of all sorts
• And of course, music teachers!

In one way or another, learning an instrument or even just learning to appreciate music has touched all of our lives. This funny trio of true-to-life stories brightened my evening and got me wondering if I really could have “made it” if I’d only kept taking piano from Mrs. McCoy.

P.S. If you need another reason to listen to this podcast, David Sedaris has the opening monologue. His Billy Holiday impression is worth it!