The Rural Music Matters podcast is dedicated to being both a resource and advocate for music education in rural communities throughout the United States. Hear honest stories and experiences from everyday teachers, administrators, and policymakers as they navigate the unique challenges and extraordinary rewards of providing musical opportunities for students in small schools and rural communities — because rural music education matters. Hosted by Dr. Michael Genslinger.The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/25/4/f9b1a574-8d4e-45cb-9b52-2cf7b3df849e_rmm_ep06_tessabelgum.mp3

In episode 6, Michael talks with Tessa Belgum, who teaches band at Yankton Middle School in Yankton, South Dakota. They talk about her career journey, recruiting, fundamentals, her high-energy personality, and the experience of teaching diverse student populations. The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.Connect with Rural Music Matters:🌐 <a href="https://mythicalmotifs.com/rmm" rel="nofollow">mythicalmotifs.com/rmm</a>📘 Facebook: Rural Music Matters Podcast📸 Instagram: @RuralMusicMattersPodcast💰 Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters" rel="nofollow">patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters</a>📧 <a href="mailto:rmm@mythicalmotifs.com" rel="nofollow">rmm@mythicalmotifs.com</a>

Tessa Belgum: A Culture of High Expectations

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/8/22/884d8a4d-ce40-4491-a738-d02fb1e1a893_rmm_ep05_tericameron.mp3

In episode 5, Michael talks with 40 year veteran teacher Teri Cameron, who teaches elementary general music at Eastside Elementary in Lake City, Florida. They talk about her career journey, technology, pedagogy, community outreach, and how state education policy is impacting rural public schools. They also reminisce about the time when Teri was a band parent for Michael, way back in 2011 when he was teaching at Hamilton County High School in Jasper, Florida.The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.Connect with Rural Music Matters:🌐 <a href="https://mythicalmotifs.com/rmm" rel="nofollow">mythicalmotifs.com/rmm</a>📘 Facebook: Rural Music Matters Podcast📸 Instagram: @RuralMusicMattersPodcast💰 Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters" rel="nofollow">patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters</a>📧 <a href="mailto:rmm@mythicalmotifs.com" rel="nofollow">rmm@mythicalmotifs.com</a>

Teri Cameron: Music for All

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/26/12/ff262d05-7e6b-4a20-8fa4-14f0c27d6739_rmm_ep04_annasake.mp3

In episode 4, Dr. Michael Genslinger sits down with Anna Sake of Palmer, Nebraska. They talk about her time at Palmer Public Schools being the K-12 music teacher since 2011, building and maintaining a program&#39;s culture, what it is like to see your kindergarten students graduate, and much more. The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.Connect with Rural Music Matters:🌐 <a href="https://mythicalmotifs.com/rmm" rel="nofollow">mythicalmotifs.com/rmm</a>📘 Facebook: Rural Music Matters Podcast📸 Instagram: @RuralMusicMattersPodcast💰 Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters" rel="nofollow">patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters</a>📧 <a href="mailto:rmm@mythicalmotifs.com" rel="nofollow">rmm@mythicalmotifs.com</a>

Anna Sake: Data Driven Advocacy

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/13/2/12dc1df6-0962-4a03-99ae-2b4f2ee1dcc6_rmm_ep03_amoswalker.mp3

In Episode 3, Dr. Michael Genslinger has a conversation with Amos Walker, who teaches music at Yulee High School in Yulee, Florida. Amos shares his unique background and experiences, and how it informs his current teaching. His ability to incorporate empathy within his teaching enables him to develop deep bonds with his students. Michael is a former member of the YHS Marching Band Staff, and they reminisce about their time working together and how they helped elevate each other&#39;s teaching.The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.Connect with Rural Music Matters:🌐 <a href="https://mythicalmotifs.com/rmm" rel="nofollow">mythicalmotifs.com/rmm</a>📘 Facebook: Rural Music Matters Podcast📸 Instagram: @RuralMusicMattersPodcast💰 Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters" rel="nofollow">patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters</a>📧 <a href="mailto:rmm@mythicalmotifs.com" rel="nofollow">rmm@mythicalmotifs.com</a>

Amos Walker: Winning the Friday Night Crowd

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/29/13/da36f95f-bbf7-457f-a852-c1aeedd2dbe6_rmm_ep02_brandikolbeck.mp3

In our second episode, host Dr. Michael Genslinger sits down with Brandi Kolbeck, who is the elementary music and secondary vocal teacher at Pender Public School in Pender Nebraska. Brandi is a veteran teacher who has served communities for 22 years throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Nebraska. Her passion for music and teaching shine through both her commentary and her students.The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.Connect with Rural Music Matters:🌐 <a href="https://mythicalmotifs.com/rmm" rel="nofollow">mythicalmotifs.com/rmm</a>📘 Facebook: Rural Music Matters Podcast📸 Instagram: @RuralMusicMattersPodcast💰 Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters" rel="nofollow">patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters</a>📧 <a href="mailto:rmm@mythicalmotifs.com" rel="nofollow">rmm@mythicalmotifs.com</a>

Brandi Kolbeck: Focus on the Fundamentals

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/14/16/fb01edca-8dd5-4428-8e15-3402d4831cac_rmm_ep01_mikesindt.mp3

In our first episode, host Dr. Michael Genslinger sits down with Mike Sindt, band director at Pierce Public Schools in Pierce Nebraska. Mike has dedicated nearly 3 decades of service to the Pierce community. He is the current president of the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association and the 2025 recipient of the Nebraska Music Educator of the Year for band.In this conversation we talk about:<ul><li>What 28 years at one rural school looks like</li><li>The unique challenges and extraordinary rewards of rural band directing</li><li>How the band program serves the Pierce community beyond the classroom</li><li>Advocacy for rural music education at the state level</li><li>What keeps a dedicated educator going</li></ul> The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.Connect with Rural Music Matters:🌐 <a href="https://mythicalmotifs.com/rmm" rel="nofollow">mythicalmotifs.com/rmm</a>📘 Facebook: Rural Music Matters Podcast📸 Instagram: @RuralMusicMattersPodcast💰 Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters" rel="nofollow">patreon.com/ruralmusicmatters</a>📧 <a href="mailto:rmm@mythicalmotifs.com" rel="nofollow">rmm@mythicalmotifs.com</a>

Mike Sindt: Living in the Good Ol' Days

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/3/13/21a9372e-bb77-4df9-9ccc-49b59fbc4add_trailer_episode_final.mp3

This episode provides a brief description of what listeners can expect in season 1.

Trailer

The Rural Music Matters podcast is dedicated to being both a resource and advocate for music education in rural communities throughout the United States. Hear honest stories and experiences from everyday teachers, administrators, and policymakers as they navigate the unique challenges and extraordinary rewards of providing musical opportunities for students in small schools and rural communities — because rural music education matters. Hosted by Dr. Michael Genslinger.

The views and opinions expressed on Rural Music Matters are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wayne State College or the Nebraska State College System.

© 2026 Mythical Motifs, LLC. All rights reserved.