Barb Philipak

Barb Philipak is a veteran elementary music educator with 28 years of teaching experience in the St. Louis area. She is the author of Recorder Karate® Books 1 & 2 and Ukulele Karate, published by Plank Road Publishing—resources widely used for their sequential, mastery-based approach to instrumental instruction and student accountability. In addition to her classroom teaching, Barb directs Drama Club, Choir Club, and Instrument Club, creating meaningful performance opportunities that support collaboration, confidence, and musical growth while strengthening school culture through the performing arts.

Barb has presented numerous professional development workshops for music educators and is excited to be presenting this webinar for Musicplay. Her sessions focus on practical, classroom-ready strategies that support active music-making, differentiated instruction, and student-centered learning. She is passionate about helping teachers feel confident, supported, and successful in their music classrooms.