Ask Mike | Lessons for Music Educators
Ask Mike is the go‑to podcast for music educators, band directors, and music program leaders seeking real answers rooted in real‑world experience. Hosted by veteran Texas Band Director Mike Lunney and co‑host Derrick Killam, a long-time leader in supporting Texas Music Education programs, the show focuses on learning from hard‑earned lessons, so you don’t make the same mistakes yourself.
🎵 No fluff. No guesswork. Just experience.
👉 Don’t reinvent the wheel — just Ask Mike!
About the Hosts
Mike Lunney
With 31 successful years as a head band director in Texas, Mike’s bands were consistently recognized as superior, and his insights come straight from the podium, not a textbook. Today, Mike remains active as a clinician, mentor, and adjudicator, continuing to shape the next generation of music educators.
Derrick Killam
A lifelong supporter of school music programs across Texas since 1990. Derrick brings a unique industry perspective from decades in music retail, having served as a Repair Tech, Repair Shop Foreman, Education Specialist, and now as a key member of Tarpley Music, a NAMM Top 100 Dealer and industry leading Musical Instrument Retailer in the United States.
Ask Mike | Lessons for Music Educators
Latest Episodes
Helping Your Student Teacher Learn to Manage a Classroom
In Mike Lunney's 30+ years of experience, he was able to help many aspiring teachers gain positive Student Teacher experiences in his classroom. This episode is great for both the ISD sponsoring teacher, as well as the collegiate student teache...
Help! My Beginner Classes Aren't Homogeneous!
Do you find yourself in a situation where your beginner's class or classes are mixed instrumentation? Mike Lunney remembers a time when every beginner in the school met in one class! What are the logistical obstacles? How do you spend enough ti...
Ask Mike Roundtable: Your Program and Your Music Store
In this episode, Mike Lunney welcomes friends Jim Bode, Tommy Perkins, and Tarpley Music's General Manager Wes Sutton. Enjoy this discussion about how to make your program successful through mentorship, peer support, and the support of a strong...
Michael Munoz Shares His 7 Pillars of Band Culture
Michael Munoz has been a music educator for over 30 years! He has recently compiled his experience for creating a positive band culture into what he refers to as The Seven Pillars. It’s a great conversation that also digs into his 7 Pillars of ...
Dane Richardson on Using the Harmony Director as a Teaching Tool
Several episodes ago, Tim Jones joined Ask Mike to discuss technology in the band hall and marching field. During that episode, the question was presented, "How can I record my group and play it back in real time?" One of our podcast friends, D...
