Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What makes a successful music educator? How can teachers inspire students to practice, stay engaged, and build thriving music programs? In this interview, award-winning composer, conductor, clinician, and former band director Randall Standridge shares practical advice for composers, educators, and young directors.
Drawing on his experience as a music educator and one of the most-performed contemporary composers in the band world, Randall discusses concert programming, rehearsal preparation, student engagement, effective practice habits, recruitment strategies, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career.
Randall Standridge earned degrees in music education and composition from Arkansas State University and served as Director of Bands at Harrisburg High School before becoming a full-time composer and marching arts designer. His music is performed internationally, featured on multiple J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice lists every year, and performed regularly at prestigious events including The Midwest Clinic. He is also the creator of the acclaimed unBroken Project, an initiative dedicated to promoting mental health awareness through music.
Whether you're a composer, music education student, beginning teacher, or veteran director, you'll find valuable insights and encouragement in this conversation.
Topics discussed:
• Programming meaningful concerts
• Preparing for first rehearsals
• Teaching effective practice skills
• Keeping students engaged
• Recruiting and retaining students
• Guest conducting and clinics
• Advice for young directors
• Lessons for aspiring composers
Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more interviews with today's leading composers and music educators.
#RandallStandridge #MusicEducation #BandDirector #Composer #ConcertBand #MusicTeacher #BandDirectorLife #MusicEducator #WindBand #MusicTeaching #BandRehearsal #Conducting #MusicComposition #MarchingBand #MusicStudents #MusicPodcast #BandProgram #MusicClinic #JWPepper #SchoolBand
Join the New Music Teacher Club jwpepper.com/newteacher
Explore the Concert Band Page jwpepper.com/concert-band?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=new-music-teacher&utm_content=interview-video-randall-standridge-advice-for-teachers-2026
Shop New Editors' Choice Selections for Concert Band jwpepper.com/concert-band/editors-choice/new?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=new-music-teacher&utm_content=interview-video-randall-standridge-advice-for-teachers-2026
Shop All Flexible Instrumentation Selections jwpepper.com/concert-band-music/flexible-instrumentation?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=new-music-teacher&utm_content=interview-video-randall-standridge-advice-for-teachers-2026
0:00 Intro
0:17 Three pieces of advice for a new director
2:27 First day of band – what do you do?
4:17 Considerations for programming a concert
6:22 Advice for beginning composers
7:52 The future of music education
What makes a successful music educator? How can teachers inspire students to practice, stay engaged, and build thriving music programs? In this interview, award-winning composer, conductor, clinician, and former band director Randall Standridge shares practical advice for composers, educators, and young directors.
Drawing on his experience as a music educator and one of the most-performed contemporary composers in the band world, Randall discusses concert programming, rehearsal preparation, student engagement, effective practice habits, recruitment strategies, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career.
Randall Standridge earned degrees in music education and composition from Arkansas State University and served as Director of Bands at Harrisburg High School before becoming a full-time composer and marching arts designer. His music is performed internationally, featured on multiple J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice lists every year, and performed regularly at prestigious events including The Midwest Clinic. He is also the creator of the acclaimed unBroken Project, an initiative dedicated to promoting mental health awareness through music.
Whether you're a composer, music education student, beginning teacher, or veteran director, you'll find valuable insights and encouragement in this conversation.
Topics discussed:
• Programming meaningful concerts
• Preparing for first rehearsals
• Teaching effective practice skills
• Keeping students engaged
• Recruiting and retaining students
• Guest conducting and clinics
• Advice for young directors
• Lessons for aspiring composers
Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more interviews with today's leading composers and music educators.
#RandallStandridge #MusicEducation #BandDirector #Composer #ConcertBand #MusicTeacher #BandDirectorLife #MusicEducator #WindBand #MusicTeaching #BandRehearsal #Conducting #MusicComposition #MarchingBand #MusicStudents #MusicPodcast #BandProgram #MusicClinic #JWPepper #SchoolBand
Join the New Music Teacher Club jwpepper.com/newteacher
Explore the Concert Band Page jwpepper.com/concert-band?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=new-music-teacher&utm_content=interview-video-randall-standridge-advice-for-teachers-2026
Shop New Editors' Choice Selections for Concert Band jwpepper.com/concert-band/editors-choice/new?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=new-music-teacher&utm_content=interview-video-randall-standridge-advice-for-teachers-2026
Shop All Flexible Instrumentation Selections jwpepper.com/concert-band-music/flexible-instrumentation?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=new-music-teacher&utm_content=interview-video-randall-standridge-advice-for-teachers-2026
0:00 Intro
0:17 Three pieces of advice for a new director
2:27 First day of band – what do you do?
4:17 Considerations for programming a concert
6:22 Advice for beginning composers
7:52 The future of music education
