Philip Gillette and James Soler: How to Use Music, Culture, and Play to Build Student Engagement

In this episode of Have a Life Teaching, John Schembari speaks with Musical IQ leaders Philip Gillette and James Soler about how music can become a bridge to culture, identity, collaboration, and deeper learning. The conversation explores how schools can move beyond treating music and the arts as “extras” and instead use them as powerful tools for engagement, systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and community building. Topics include:• Why music creates belonging and confidence for students• How Musical IQ uses African and Afro-diaspora music traditions to teach culture and history• Using drumming, storytelling, and ensemble work to develop student voice and collaboration• Why “play” is essential for curiosity and learning• Helping students feel seen through culturally responsive instruction• The connection between music, memory, and deeper learning• How arts integration supports systems thinking and interdisciplinary instruction• Navigating cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation in education• Practical ways schools can integrate music and culture into everyday teaching• How immersive science experiences through Cosmic IQ connect to the same philosophy of engagement and wonderOne powerful takeaway from the episode:“If students feel seen, connected, and curious, learning accelerates.” Listen if you are interested in:• Student engagement• Arts integration• Culturally responsive teaching• Interdisciplinary learning• Student voice and agency• Music education• Building joyful classrooms• Global and culturally connected instructionMusical IQ Website James Soller LinkedIn Page Phillip Gilette WebsiteMusic by Aylex