Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education, a Podcast for Music Teachers

In this inspiring episode, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Annie Ray, orchestra director and 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award winner, to explore the heartwarming and transformative concept of the Parent Orchestra. Annie shares how this initiative—rooted in connection and community—brings caregivers together to learn their child’s instrument and experience the joy and challenges of music-making firsthand. With over 225 participant...

In episode 87, Kathryn and Theresa dive into the Critical Response Process (CRP) with Mallory Alekna, Assistant Professor of Music, Human Development, and Learning at Augsburg University. Mallory shares how this four-step feedback framework, developed by choreographer Liz Lerman, can transform music classrooms by fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering students to take ownership of their learning. Through CRP, students learn t...

In episode 86, we dive into the critical role of student voice in fostering equity and inclusivity in music education. Our guest, Felipe Morales-Torres, shares insights from his work at the Bornoff Foundation for the Advancement of String Education, exploring how music teachers can create learning environments that empower all students. He discusses the importance of moving beyond access to ensure that music opportunities are relev...

In episode 85, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Merlin Thompson, an experienced private music teacher, clinician, and the founder of Teach Music 21C. With over 45 years of teaching experience, Merlin shares powerful insights on fostering lifelong musicianship through reflective partnership teaching. He challenges the traditional master-apprentice model and instead emphasizes a collaborative, student-centered approach that encourag...

In episode 84, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Leah Hanley to explore how assessment can be a powerful tool for student empowerment in music education. Leah, a seasoned orchestra teacher in the Bronx, shares insights on the distinction between summative and formative assessment and how the latter can be seamlessly integrated into daily music instruction. She highlights the importance of making assessment visible to students, allo...

In episode 83, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Jasmine Henderson to discuss her innovative approach to empowering students through social justice projects in general music classes. Jasmine shares her journey from teaching K-8 general music and choir to collaborating with university students to design a groundbreaking project called the "Sonic Justice Collage." This unique initiative allowed students to explore topics they wer...

In episode 82, Kathryn and Theresa sit down with Matthew Stensrud, an accomplished music educator specializing in elementary music, responsive classroom techniques, and Orff Schulwerk approaches. Matthew shares his journey into music education, including his inspiration from mentors and his passion for creating inclusive and empowering music classrooms. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and community wh...

In episode 81, Kathryn and Theresa reflect on the power of professional collaboration for music educators. Drawing from their own experiences, they discuss how connecting with fellow educators—whether across the country or in the same district—can transform teaching practices, reduce isolation, and foster creativity. They share anecdotes of innovative classroom projects, such as their cross-state recorder pen pals and collaborative...

In episode 80, we dive into the transformative world of creative music education with Steve Giddings, an innovative music educator and advocate for hands-on, student-driven learning. Steve shares his journey from traditional conservatory training to championing a more dynamic and accessible approach to teaching music. Through his experiences, Steve has developed techniques that encourage students to explore music through improvisat...

In episode 79, we welcome Jessie Peterson, a dedicated middle school band director and a passionate advocate for fostering intrinsic motivation in music education. Drawing from her doctoral studies at Clemson University and her extensive teaching experience, Jessie delves into the transformative power of Self-Determination Theory in the classroom. She shares how the principles of autonomy, competence, and relatedness have helped he...

In Episode 78, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Taylor Morris and Sara Duce, co-founders of the Gilbert Town Fiddlers. Taylor and Sara discuss their journey in music education and share how they have built an extracurricular program that fosters creativity, collaboration, and student ownership in music. Their organization, based in Gilbert, Arizona, teaches middle and high school students how to play and arrange music by ear, improvise,...

In episode 77, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Grammy Music Educator of the Year, Stephen Cox, as he dives into his unique approach to music education and his latest venture with the Willis Wonderland Foundation. Stephen shares insights from his 14-year teaching career in Texas, where he developed a progressive, student-centered approach to band programs, prioritizing student autonomy, joy, and intrinsic motivation. He also refle...

In episode 76, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Gillian Desmarais Keller, an award-winning music educator specializing in K-12 music technology. Gillian shares her journey from teaching elementary music to establishing a cutting-edge music technology program in Maplewood Public Schools. She highlights the importance of integrating technology into traditional music education, offering students new opportunities for creativity through rec...

In episode 75, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by Emily Meyerson, a seasoned music educator, to discuss her unique approach to teaching music through the TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) pedagogy. Emily shares her experiences transitioning from a traditional teaching model to one that empowers students to behave and think like musicians. She emphasizes the importance of giving students creative control in the music classroom, en...

In Episode 74, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Berry McWhorter about how his deep dive into Japanese music education transformed his approach to teaching. After discovering the impressive performance of Japanese middle school bands during his studies, Berry embarked on a journey to understand the unique student-led structure of Japanese music programs. He found that these programs place significant responsibility on students to lead re...

In episode 73, Kathryn and Theresa engage in a compelling conversation with Ally McGowan, a dedicated middle school orchestra teacher from Connecticut. Ally shares her journey of transitioning from traditional methods of student engagement to a more empowering approach in her classroom. She discusses how small, intentional changes in her teaching methods have transformed her students' learning experiences, moving them from passive ...

In this episode of the Pass the Baton podcast, hosts Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover kick off the fourth season by discussing how to create an empowering classroom environment as the new school year begins. They emphasize the importance of setting the tone early, fostering an inclusive and positive atmosphere where students feel confident and motivated. The conversation delves into practical strategies for building student engagem...

In Episode 71, Kathryn and Theresa celebrate the conclusion of Season 3, reflecting on the 20 episodes produced and the incredible people they met within the field of music education. Now three years old, the book “Pass the Baton” has had an incredible impact, as did the successful graduate course run through VanderCook College of Music this spring. With an emphasis on the importance of student-centered teaching and collaborative l...

In Episode 70, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Dr. Sarah Gulish, a former high school music teacher turned digital publisher. Sarah shares her journey from classroom teaching to founding a music education company, F-flat Books. She highlights the release of her new children's book, "Rosie Rocks," which tells the story of a shy girl finding her voice through playing the electric guitar. The book emphasizes themes of studen...