Allison Mottaz

Send us Fan MailThis week on Beyond Artless, we welcome the dynamic and delightfully down-to-earth Alli Mottaz, an instrumental music educator, percussionist, and all-around creative powerhouse from Waconia, Minnesota.Alli shares her journey from dreaming of playing for the WNBA to becoming an award-winning band director (with a soft spot for the Jonas Brothers and crocheting on the side). Now in her ninth year of teaching, Alli opens up about the realities of music education — the laughter, the learning curves, and the lessons that stick long after the bell rings.What you’ll hear in this episode:How Alli’s path to percussion began with a very blue inspiration (thank you, Blue Man Group)The importance of staying a performer while being a teacherHow mentors shaped her approach to leading and learningLife lessons from maternity leave, team teaching, and middle school chaosHow she broke a small Ostrander childAnd how Chris left her alone on her first day of teaching with him!Alli’s warmth, humor, and honesty make this episode a love letter to the art of teaching — and a reminder that even the most organized band room runs on equal parts caffeine, compassion, and community. Tune in for laughter, inspiration, and great insights on teaching that are — beyond artless.Check out our NEW Website and claim your FREE copy of "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe!Find us at the Midwest Clinic - Booth #1335Credits:Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Activity Mat & Gym - Full Song Suite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XD9iTf2MbsThe entire song suite from the much loved Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Mat, including Purple Monkey In A Bubblegum Tree, and Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Enjoy the songs in the highest quality possibleThe Cat’s Pajamas Rag - Pierre LaPlantePatrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere PerformanceMay 9, 2017 - Allison Mottzz, conductinghttps://youtu.be/D-Xq6fel_5YTwittering Machine - Brian BalmagesPatrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere PerformanceMay 9, 2017 - Brian Balamages, conductinghttps://youtu.be/Af3ENiwEXN0Try - Harrison CollinsPersistence Rules! - Dana WilsonUWEC Symphony Band and Wind Symphony ConcertOct 10, 2025 - Phil Ostrander, conductinghttps://www.youtube.com/live/XEnOqhXdSCM?si=QTj1Y3GiYvXFEtJbBlizzard Blues - François DorionHal Leonard Publishinghttps://youtu.be/QaeCEVpM0iU?si=1_F-0edrw_MrcXCUSupport the show