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/513015857Yamaha Article: https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/40-under-40/2023/meyerson-emily/Email: emeyerson@nbls.orgX: @MsMeyerson Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membershipSupport Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

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/membershipSupport Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

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 emphasizes the importance of listening to her students and allowing them to take part in decisions about their learning, such as choosing the flow of their lessons and engaging in improvisational activities. The discussion also highlights the value of collaboration among educators, with Ally describing her experiences working alongside other music teachers to enhance the learning environment. She reflects on the benefits of having students provide peer feedback, which not only deepens their understanding but also fosters a supportive classroom community. By focusing on student empowerment and incorporating innovative teaching techniques, Ally has successfully created a classroom atmosphere where students are excited to learn and explore music in new and meaningful ways. Connect with Ally and learn more: email - amcgowan @ fairfieldps.org Social Media - @allyytaylor ASTA - https://www.astastrings.org/ ASTA Connecticut - https://www.ctastastrings.org Learn more about Pass the Baton Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membershipSupport Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

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 ownership of their learning, which in turn enhances their confidence and love for music. The episode also highlights the significance of student voice and choice in the classroom. Kathryn and Theresa explore how giving students a say in their learning process, from the music they play to the way the classroom is organized, can lead to a more dynamic and collaborative environment. They offer actionable tips on how to integrate student feedback, creativity, and collaboration into daily lessons, ensuring that students feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed throughout the school year. Kickstart your school year with our Pass the Baton BINGO board. Download it now and watch your students thrive! ➡ https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l0d3p7 Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membershipSupport Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

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 lessons learned from their favorite episodes. Heading into summer, they discuss their plans for relaxation, family time, and continued professional development. Hint - stay tuned this summer for a relaunch of the Coffee Club and don’t forget to check out the free resources available on the website! Learn more: Website - www.passthebatonbook.comResources - www.passthebatonbook.com/resources Book - https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Baton-Empowering-Music-Students/dp/1951600541/Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠⁠

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 supporting and listening to their students' interests and aspirations in music education. Listeners will gain insights into Sarah's innovative approach to music education, including her advocacy for broadening the scope of music programs to include diverse instruments and styles. She underscores the value of fostering a creative and inclusive environment where all students can explore their musical potential. The episode provides practical advice for educators on how to encourage student participation and innovation in the music classroom. Connect with Sarah and learn more: Instagram - @sarahgulishmusicInstagram - @fflatbooksWebsite - https://fflat-books.com/Book - https://fflat-books.com/product/rosie-rocks-hardback-book/ Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠

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 engagement in music education. Practical advice is offered on taking small steps towards empowering students, which not only aids in meeting standards but also enhances students' overall musical and educational experience. The episode serves as an encouragement for music educators to embrace student-centered teaching methods while maintaining high educational and performance standards. Download the Common Concerns Guide here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/m1c9m7 Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠

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 student-driven learning through authentic, real-world challenges. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also integrates community involvement, culminating in student-created projects that address community needs. Yeshima also discusses their entrepreneurial venture, Drum Smart LLC, where they teach group drumming, further demonstrating the power of music education to impact individuals and communities alike. Yeshima's story serves as an inspiring example of how educators can deeply engage students in learning through music, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and community connection. Their approach illustrates the transformative potential of project-based learning in developing students' skills, confidence, and community awareness, making music education a powerful conduit for holistic development and social impact. Connect with Yeshima and learn more about their work: Website - www.drumsmartllc.com Social Media - @drumsmartllcProject Based Learning: Creating Music That Impacts the World - https://fflat-books.com/product/project-based-learning/ Bloom Music Learning YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@bloommusiclearning1386 Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website: ⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠

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 strategies that music teachers can apply to shift the focus from mere grading to genuine student growth and learning progress. Angela’s approach reflects a significant shift in educational practices, promoting student autonomy and a collaborative classroom atmosphere. These methods are not just about easing the teacher's burden but are crucial in helping students develop independence and critical skills necessary for their musical and personal development. The interview is rich with insights and real-life applications that are relevant to music educators looking to enhance their teaching methods and student engagement. Connect with Angela and learn more: Angela’s website: http://www.orchestraclassroom.comAngela’s blog: http://orchestrateacher.blogspot.comInstagram: @orchestra.teacher.life Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website: ⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠

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, making learning both relevant and impactful. Throughout the interview, Alex not only shares his experiences and insights but also provides valuable resources and teaching strategies that educators can utilize to integrate songwriting into their curriculum. These resources aim to empower teachers to facilitate a more inclusive and expressive classroom, where students can harness their creativity to construct meaningful musical expressions. Alex’s narrative encapsulates a comprehensive view of music education, advocating for an approach that nurtures creativity, personal expression, and cultural inclusivity through the art of songwriting. Connect with Alex and learn more: website - http://mralexadams.comresources: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SRx6UP4_Lpb-iB_M3SBi5Cwdxb0CadQA?usp=drive_link Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website: ⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠

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, emphasizing the empowerment it brings to students by allowing them to express their personal experiences and imaginations through music. Alex highlights the importance of seeing oneself in the music curriculum, the role of creative freedom in songwriting, and the impact of music on building community and cultural understanding. He also addresses common misconceptions about songwriting and the importance of setting appropriate goals and expectations for students' creative outputs. Stay tuned for the second part of this insightful interview, where we'll continue exploring the transformative power of songwriting in education. Connect with Alex and learn more about his work: Website: http://mralexadams.comSongwriting Resources: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SRx6UP4_Lpb-iB_M3SBi5Cwdxb0CadQA?usp=drive_link Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website: www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠

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 inclusive and dynamic learning environment. The insights shared are not only thought-provoking but also practical, offering listeners a roadmap to empower their students and transform the classroom into a hub of innovation and self-expression. Tune in to unravel the secrets to unlocking your students' potential and igniting their passion for music education.  Other interviews mentioned in this episode:  Episode 53, with Shane Colquhoun Episode 3, with Laura Johnson Episode 13, with Sonya Knussen Episode 14, with Robby Burns Episode 27, with Scott Edgar Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

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, leveraging favorite teachers to attract more students, and creating visual enrollment goals to motivate and engage current students in the recruitment process. Connect with Angela and learn more about her work: Website: http://www.angelaammerman.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/musicteachersguideThe Music Teacher's Guide to Recruitment and Retention: https://giamusic.com/resource/the-music-teacher-s-guide-to-recruitment-and-retention-book-10882The Music Teacher's Guide to Engaging English Language Learners: https://giamusic.com/resource/the-music-teachers-guide-to-engaging-english-language-learners-book-g10665Pass the Baton Episode 24: https://youtu.be/-rgpw3fzsFY Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In Episode 62, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Kathleen Jacoby, a high school band director in Fairfax, Virginia. Kathleen’s teaching philosophy revolves around student ownership and engagement in the music program, drawing from her own experiences in a small band program where every member's contribution was vital. She shares innovative strategies she employs to involve students in decision-making processes, such as selecting pieces and contributing to rehearsal methods. The interview delves into her approach to empowering students by fostering a sense of community, responsibility, and critical listening skills. Kathleen’s methods aim to develop not just musical skills but also life skills like leadership, collaboration, and independent thinking. She is dedicated to making music education a transformative experience for students, ensuring that it contributes positively to their overall growth and development. Connect with Kathleen and learn more: https://bdtoolkit.weebly.com/https://www.facebook.com/BDToolkit Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In episode 61, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Dr. Rob Pethel, an innovative music educator with a passion for guitar and virtual teaching. Rob talks about the importance of embracing change and innovation in music education, shedding light on his approach to keeping students engaged and motivated in a virtual environment. He discusses methods for fostering a creative and productive learning space, highlighting the critical role of technology in modern music education. Rob also shares practical insights on how educators can empower themselves and their students through individualized learning paths, technology integration, and a focus on mental and spiritual well-being. This episode not only explores the dynamics of virtual music teaching but also provides valuable perspectives for educators on adapting to and thriving in the evolving educational landscape. Rob’s experiences and strategies offer a roadmap for educators looking to navigate the new era of music education with confidence and creativity. Connect with Rob and learn more about his work: Website: RobPethel.comBlue Guitar Classroom Curriculum: https://blueguitar.us/ YouTube Channel:  www.youtube.com/@MusicPrismTeaching Guitar Workshop: https://www.discoverguitar.com/tgw/ Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In Episode 60, Kathryn and Theresa interview Kyle Smith, a high school band director from Maine. Kyle discusses his journey and experiences, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and learning in education. He shares insights from his podcast "The Growing Band Director," where he and his guests explore various educational topics. Kyle talks about effective teaching methods and the significance of keeping music education engaging and relevant. He highlights key lessons learned from his podcast, including practical teaching strategies and the importance of tone in music. Kyle's approach to education is characterized by his commitment to growth and the pursuit of excellence, both for himself and his students.  Connect with Kyle and learn more about his work: The Growing Band Director - https://the-growing-band-director.webnode.page/The Growing Band Director Podcast Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197885914386437 Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In Episode 59, Kathryn and Theresa engage in a conversation exploring the intersection of music education, student empowerment, and research! Theresa, a PhD student at Arizona State University, delves into her research project that analyzes themes from the Pass the Baton podcast, particularly focusing on secondary music education.  The discussion reveals key findings: music teachers strive for their students to become independent musicians and learners by focusing on individual needs and creating a nurturing classroom environment. This encompasses fostering lifelong musicianship, encouraging creative thinking, and developing critical life skills. The conversation also touches on the nuanced use of language in education, the evolution of teaching practices, and the importance of creating conditions for student empowerment rather than merely bestowing it. Theresa's research underscores the significance of student agency and personalized learning, providing valuable perspectives for anyone involved in educational practices. Connect with Theresa and learn more about her work: www.theresahoover.com/perspectives-on-empowerment/ www.offthebeatenpathinmusic.com https://fflat-books.com/product/empowering-ensembles-with-technology/ Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In Episode 58, Kathryn and Theresa interview Jamie Widener, a music educator passionate about incorporating Genius Hour in her elementary music classes. The episode focuses on Jamie's approach to engaging students by allowing them to pursue music-related passion projects, inspired by Google's strategy of allowing employees to dedicate 20% of their work time to personal projects. Jamie discusses the practical aspects of implementing Genius Hour in the music classroom, including project selection, time management, and fostering creativity and autonomy among students. This method has been successful in engaging students by allowing them to explore topics they are passionate about, leading to diverse projects like instrument building and experimenting with different musical genres. The episode emphasizes the importance of student choice and empowerment in education, highlighting the benefits of Genius Hour in developing not only musical skills but also soft skills like collaboration, research, and presentation. Connect with Jamie: Instagram: @Caffeinated.JBlog: https://caffeinatedj.com/Genius Hour: https://caffeinatedj.com/genius-hour-in-elementary-music/ Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In episode 57, Kathryn and Theresa talk to SJ, a music educator originally from India, now teaching in Dubai. In this interview, SJ discusses his approach to teaching music to early and primary year students. He emphasizes the importance of using the voice as a primary instrument in the classroom and reflects on his transition from a traditional, teacher-centered approach to a more inquiry-based, student-centered style. SJ advocates for creating a learning environment that sparks curiosity and allows students to explore and engage deeply with music. He shares insights on the significance of adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs and interests of students, highlighting the need for flexibility and the power of involving students in the planning process to foster a sense of empowerment and ownership in their learning journey. Connect with SJ: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/satyajeet-vijay-14776739 Website https://inthemidstofinquiry.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/inthemidstofinquiry/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/inthemidstofinquiry Twitter: https://twitter.com/midstofinquiryFacebook PYP Single Subject Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1044502739074445/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SatyajeetVijay Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠⁠

In episode 56, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Tom Chester and Justin Johnson, music educators and ensemble directors from Illinois. The discussion revolves around the concept of student-centered learning in the realm of music education. Both Tom and Justin emphasize the importance of equipping students with the tools to think critically and independently about music. They highlight the pitfalls of traditional teaching methods that often prioritize performance preparation over genuine musical understanding. By drawing parallels to other academic subjects and real-life scenarios, they advocate for a teaching approach that empowers students to make informed decisions about musicality, expression, and technique. The conversation underscores the value of fostering a lifelong appreciation and understanding of music beyond the confines of the classroom or a specific performance. Connect with Tom and Justin: Tom Chester - @Orchester350Justin Johnson - @1ILNUPE Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Pass the Baton: ⁠⁠⁠www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠⁠⁠Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Download for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9⁠⁠