This 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 teacher
- How mentors shaped her approach to leading and learning
- Life lessons from maternity leave, team teaching, and middle school chaos
- How she broke a small Ostrander child
- And 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.
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Credits:
Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Activity Mat & Gym - Full Song Suite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XD9iTf2Mbs
The 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 possible
The Cat’s Pajamas Rag - Pierre LaPlante
Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance
May 9, 2017 - Allison Mottzz, conducting
Twittering Machine - Brian Balmages
Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance
May 9, 2017 - Brian Balamages, conducting
Try - Harrison Collins
Persistence Rules! - Dana Wilson
UWEC Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Concert
Oct 10, 2025 - Phil Ostrander, conducting
https://www.youtube.com/live/XEnOqhXdSCM?si=QTj1Y3GiYvXFEtJb
Blizzard Blues - François Dorion
Hal Leonard Publishing
https://youtu.be/QaeCEVpM0iU?si=1_F-0edrw_MrcXCU
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