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

Theresa Hoover and Kathryn Finch, Music Educators
Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education, a Podcast for Music Teachers

Welcome to Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education! Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover are two music educators passionate about helping teachers transform their students from passive consumers to vibrant creatives. Each episode will amplify the voices of music teachers who are already passing the baton and empowering their own music students. Whether you teach band, orchestra, general music, chorus, or future music teachers - there’s an episode for you!

  1. 81 - Professional Collaboration: You Don’t Need to Do This Work Alone

    6 DAYS AGO

    81 - Professional Collaboration: You Don’t Need to Do This Work Alone

    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 skills in constructive critique and purposeful music-making. These experiences underscore how collaboration not only enhances teaching but also models lifelong learning and teamwork for students. Kathryn and Theresa also highlight the importance of finding support networks to combat the isolation many music teachers face. They suggest starting with conferences, social media, or even colleagues outside of music education to brainstorm ideas or share lessons. For those looking for a structured way to connect, they recommend the Pass the Baton Coffee Club, which provides opportunities for group planning and idea-sharing. Take the leap into collaboration, whether by exchanging lessons or teaming up for larger projects, and share your experiences to inspire others in the music education community. Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership  Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9 Episode 56 - Straight Talk on Student Centered Music Classes, with Tom Chester and Justin Johnson Episode 41 - Empower Students to Practice with Purpose, with Katie LaBrie and Tracy Magwire Episode 75 - From Student to Artist: The TAB Approach in General Music, with Emily Meyerson Episode 33 - Fostering Independent Musicians, with Amy Rever Oberle and Lauren Staniszewski

    27 min
  2. 80 - Creativity First: Encouraging Musical Exploration, featuring Steve Giddings

    DEC 2

    80 - Creativity First: Encouraging Musical Exploration, featuring Steve Giddings

    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, flipping Bloom's Taxonomy, or introducing new rhythms, Steve emphasizes making music education more about creating and less about replicating. Join us as we explore Steve's innovative classroom practices, from "moshing" warm-ups to using tools like Groove Pizza and GarageBand to compose original works. Steve also discusses the critical role of fostering a safe space for students to make mistakes, take risks, and discover their unique musical voices. This episode is packed with practical advice for educators looking to bring creativity into their classrooms and inspire students to see themselves as lifelong musicians. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of music education’s leading voices! Website: https://www.stevesmusicroom.com Rock Coach: https://amzn.to/4i9Ph2i Creative Musicking: https://amzn.to/3Zk7mCm Technology for Unleashing Creativity: https://amzn.to/3B8oNgV Mikey’s Place: https://amzn.to/3ZbwI56 Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

    49 min
  3. 79 - Motivating Young Musicians: Exploring Self-Determination Theory, featuring Jessie Peterson

    NOV 18

    79 - Motivating Young Musicians: Exploring Self-Determination Theory, featuring Jessie Peterson

    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 thrive. Whether it’s encouraging students to choose their own instruments or setting collaborative goals for performances, Jessie demonstrates how these strategies cultivate a love for music that lasts a lifetime. Tune in as Jessie shares practical insights, from utilizing sticker-based systems for mastery learning to fostering peer mentorship among students. Her creative approaches have not only expanded her band program dramatically but have also reinforced the value of music as a safe space for self-expression and growth. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this episode offers valuable takeaways to implement in your own practice. Don’t miss Jessie’s heartfelt stories and actionable tips for building a connected and motivated musical community. Connect with Jessie and learn more: Email - petersonjessielynn@gmail.com Chris Ferguson website - https://www.cfergusonmusic.com/ Dan Pink - Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - https://amzn.to/4ezsYQs Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

    34 min
  4. 78 - Fostering Collaboration, Ownership, and Creativity in Music Class, featuring Taylor Morris and Sarah Duce

    NOV 4

    78 - Fostering Collaboration, Ownership, and Creativity in Music Class, featuring Taylor Morris and Sarah Duce

    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 autonomy in music-making, allowing them to learn arrangement skills and make creative decisions in a democratic, collaborative environment. Taylor and Sara also explain how their experiences in music education have influenced their approaches as private teachers and orchestra directors. They discuss the importance of providing students with choices, encouraging self-reflection, and helping them build the confidence to express ideas. Both educators highlight the unique skills students develop through ensemble-led arrangements and how the experience allows students to connect deeply with their music. Taylor and Sara’s insights make this episode a valuable listen for educators interested in incorporating more student-led, creative processes into their classrooms. Connect with Taylor and Sara: Website: https://www.gilberttownfiddlers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilberttownfiddlers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gilberttownfiddlers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylormorrismusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraduceviola/ Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

    57 min
  5. 77 - Inspiring Young Musicians: Passion and Purpose in Music Education, featuring Stephen Cox

    OCT 21

    77 - Inspiring Young Musicians: Passion and Purpose in Music Education, featuring Stephen Cox

    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 decisions, which transformed his music programs and resulted in both personal and collective growth for his students. Now, as part of the Willis Wonderland Foundation, Stephen is developing free songwriting resources to further his mission of making music education more accessible and engaging. The foundation, established to honor the legacy of renowned songwriter Allee Willis, provides teachers with tools to inspire students through songwriting and creative expression. Tune in to hear Stephen's inspiring thoughts on how progressive music education and creative freedom can transform not only classrooms but the lives of young musicians. Connect with Stephen and learn more about his work: Website: https://stephentcox.com/ The Willis Wonderland Foundation: https://williswonderland.org/ Learn more about Pass the Baton Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

    58 min
  6. 76 - Bridging the Gap: How Music Technology Can Engage All Students, featuring Gillian Desmarais Keller

    OCT 7

    76 - Bridging the Gap: How Music Technology Can Engage All Students, featuring Gillian Desmarais Keller

    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 discusses how technology can enhance the learning experience by blending traditional music theory with modern tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Soundtrap and Ableton. The conversation emphasizes the potential of music technology to engage a wider range of students, including those who may not be interested in traditional music programs. Gillian shares practical tips for teachers to start incorporating technology into their classrooms, advocating for the use of web applications like Chrome Music Lab and Groove Pizza as entry points. Whether you're a band director, choir teacher, or general music instructor, this episode provides valuable insights on how to make music education more accessible and relevant to all students. Connect with Gillian: Website: http://www.soundteched.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillian.desmarais LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilliandesmarais/ Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

    43 min
  7. 75 - From Student to Artist: The TAB Approach in General Music, featuring Emily Meyerson

    SEP 23

    75 - From Student to Artist: The TAB Approach in General Music, featuring Emily Meyerson

    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 integrating technology, like electronic instruments and recording studios, to fostering a collaborative environment, Emily highlights how this innovative method nurtures independent thinkers and lifelong musicians. You will also hear Emily's insights on balancing student-led projects with structured lessons and how she adapted TAB for various grade levels. She discusses the importance of classroom management, collaboration with other educators, and the profound impact of giving students creative freedom. This episode offers practical tips for educators interested in empowering their students while maintaining classroom structure. Connect with Emily and learn more: NAfME Presentation: https://vimeo.com/513015857 Yamaha Article: https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/40-under-40/2023/meyerson-emily/ Email: emeyerson@nbls.org X: @MsMeyerson Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

    47 min
  8. 74 - Transforming Education: Building Skills for a Lifetime of Music Making, featuring Berry McWhorter

    SEP 9

    74 - Transforming Education: Building Skills for a Lifetime of Music Making, featuring Berry McWhorter

    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 tasks, all with minimal direct supervision from teachers. Inspired by this model, Berry applied similar strategies in his own high school band teaching. He encouraged student leadership by implementing student-led sectionals and allowing students to choose and conduct their concert pieces. This shift toward student ownership, influenced by the Japanese approach, created a more engaged and motivated classroom environment. Berry emphasizes that this method not only improves students’ musical abilities but also instills valuable life skills such as independence, responsibility, and collaboration.  Connect with Berry and learn more: Instagram: @berry_mcwhorter_drums Bravo Music: https://bravomusic-inc.com/ Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/ Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

    49 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education! Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover are two music educators passionate about helping teachers transform their students from passive consumers to vibrant creatives. Each episode will amplify the voices of music teachers who are already passing the baton and empowering their own music students. Whether you teach band, orchestra, general music, chorus, or future music teachers - there’s an episode for you!

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