In this final episode of Season 4, Kathryn and Theresa look back on a year of inspiring conversations and exciting growth. They reflect on the continued impact of their book Pass the Baton, now four years old, and the growing network of educators dedicated to student empowerment. They share behind-the-scenes insights into resources like the Post-Concert Creativity Challenge and preview their upcoming summer course through VanderCook College. The episode also includes some personal updates—Kathry...
Jun 02, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 92
In Episode 91, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Alisa Hanson—music educator, researcher, and recent PhD graduate—for a rich conversation about experimentation, creativity, and student-centered teaching. Alisa shares insights from her dissertation and describes how she brought student agency and creative risk-taking into her music classes. From improvisation circles with beginner fifth graders to a rock band-style “Pop Music Lab” class for middle schoolers, Alisa offers practical ways to make mu...
May 19, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 91
In Episode 90, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by Chris Gleason for a thought-provoking conversation about grading. Chris challenges traditional notions of grading and assessment, offering compelling stories and practical strategies for shifting from compliance-based systems to student-centered, intrinsic learning environments. With humor, wisdom, and years of classroom experience, Chris explores what it means to foster agency, curiosity, and deep reflection in music education—and why students’ g...
May 05, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 90
In Episode 89, Kathryn and Theresa welcome Dr. Erin Zaffini, Director of Teacher Education at Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Erin specializes in access, equity, and inclusion in music education, and works extensively with teachers through workshops, consulting, and graduate education. In this insightful conversation, Erin shares her journey from unintentionally tokenizing culture in her teaching to developing sustainable, authentic practices that center student voices and com...
Apr 21, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 89
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 participants and a growing waitlist, this thriving program fosters cross-cul...
Apr 07, 2025•29 min
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 to articulate their observations, ask thoughtful questions, and en...
Mar 24, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 87
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 relevant, sustainable, and meaningful for diverse student populations....
Mar 10, 2025•50 min•Season 4Ep. 86
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 encourages ownership, creativity, and personal connection to music. Merli...
Feb 24, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 85
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, allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Through practical ...
Feb 10, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 84
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 were passionate about—such as climate change and racial injustice—and express ...
Jan 27, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 83
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 where students feel safe to take creative risks. Matthew discusses ...
Jan 13, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 82
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 feedback sessions using Flipgrid, which helped students develop ...
Dec 16, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 81
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 improvisation, creativity, and collaboration. Whether teaching rock bands, ...
Dec 02, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 80
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 her create an inclusive and empowering environment where students t...
Nov 18, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 79
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, and work in ensemble settings. They emphasize giving students au...
Nov 04, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 78
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 reflects on his journey toward empowering students to lead and make d...
Oct 21, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 77
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 recording, lyric writing, and music production. Gillian also discuss...
Oct 07, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 76
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, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. From integrat...
Sep 23, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 75
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 rehearsals, manage performances, and even handle administrative tas...
Sep 09, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 74
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 participation to active ownership of their musical growth. Ally e...
Aug 26, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 73
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 engagement, focusing on providing opportunities for students to take own...
Aug 12, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 72
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 learning, Theresa and Kathryn share personal highlights and lesson...
Jun 10, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 71
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 student voice, gender representation in music, and the importance of teachers support...
May 27, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 70
Episode 69 of the podcast, Theresa and Kathryn address common concerns from music teachers about transitioning to more student-empowered classrooms. The episode focuses on how teachers can relinquish control while effectively meeting educational standards and ensuring administrative approval. The hosts emphasize the importance of incorporating student choices and fostering independence, while ensuring the curriculum aligns with the National Core Arts Standards which advocate for student engageme...
May 13, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 69
In Episode 68 of the podcast, guest Yeshima shares their extensive background and current projects in music education, highlighting their passion for incorporating project-based learning (PBL) into music classrooms. Yeshima details their journey from teaching high school band and percussion in Texas to embracing elementary general music after being inspired by a music educators conference. Now pursuing a PhD, they reflect on their experience implementing PBL, emphasizing its potential to foster ...
Apr 29, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 68
In Episode 67, the conversation centers on transformative approaches to student assessments. Angela Harman shares her journey from traditional to student-driven assessments, which involve students in both self-assessment and peer feedback processes. This method not only makes assessments more meaningful and manageable but also fosters a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to be active participants in their own learning journey. The interview emphasizes practical strateg...
Apr 15, 2024•37 min•Season 67Ep. 3
In Episode 66, Kathryn and Theresa continue their discussion with Alex Adams about the transformative role of songwriting in music education. Building on the foundation laid in Episode 65, Alex offers a deeper exploration into how songwriting can be a powerful medium for students to connect their personal experiences with the academic study of music. He emphasizes the importance of creating a music education environment that resonates with the cultural and individual identities of students, maki...
Apr 01, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 66
In Episode 65, Kathryn and Theresa dive into the first part of an enlightening interview with Alex Adams, a seasoned music teacher with 15 years of experience in both private studio and public school teaching. Alex shares his unique journey from teaching in Maine to becoming a teaching artist with the Documentary Songwriters organization, and his current role as a graduate student at Arizona State University. He discusses the significance of integrating songwriting into music education, emphasiz...
Mar 18, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 65
In Episode 64, Kathryn and Theresa delve into the common pitfalls educators face in music education, emphasizing the importance of student ownership and engagement. The discussion navigates through the essential strategies for avoiding four key mistakes that can stifle student creativity and initiative. From the nuances of genuinely listening to student voices to the intricate balance of guiding creative activities, this episode serves as a beacon for educators striving to foster a more inclusiv...
Mar 04, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 64
In episode 63, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Angela Ammerman, a music educator in Northern Virginia. Angela discusses innovative recruitment strategies for music programs, emphasizing the critical role of student and community involvement in building and sustaining vibrant music education environments. Highlighting her own experiences and insights from her book, "The Music Teachers Guide to Recruitment and Retention," Angela shares effective tactics such as utilizing student-led concerts, leveragi...
Feb 19, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 63
