Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education

Helping teachers transform their students from passive consumers to vibrant creatives!

Empowering Students in Music Education

Welcome to Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education! Hosted by passionate music educators Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover, this podcast is your go-to resource for transforming your music classroom into a creative powerhouse. Join us as we spotlight inspiring music teachers who are revolutionizing band, orchestra, general music, chorus, and music education programs. Whether you’re guiding young instrumentalists, leading choirs, or training future music educators, each episode is packed with actionable insights to help you turn your students into engaged, empowered musicians. Tune in, get inspired, and start passing the baton in your music classroom today!

Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education

Most Recent Episode:

Episode 113 – All Music, All Students: Rethinking What Belongs in the Ensemble Room

In episode 113, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Eric Songer, a veteran middle school music educator, to explore what it really means to move from “music for all” to “all music.” Drawing from his own unconventional path into music—sparked by pop radio and a love for popular culture—Eric shares how his teaching philosophy centers on expanding access to music-making beyond traditional ensembles. He describes how incorporating genres like rock, hip hop, bluegrass, and mariachi, along with opportunities in songwriting, production, and student-led ensembles, creates more entry points for students to engage meaningfully with music.

Ready to dig in? Here are some of our favorite playlists

These interviews cover a diverse range of topics and offer captivating storytelling, insightful interviews, and thought-provoking discussions that will keep you engaged and inspired.
Back-to-School Boost

Back-to-School Boost

Get ready for the new school year with this curated playlist of inspiring podcast episodes, packed with practical strategies to empower your students and set the tone for a successful classroom environment.
Giving Up Control

Giving Up Control

Take small steps toward student empowerment. Gradually allowing students more choice prepares them for independence as a musician & learner.
Empowered Performances: Spotlighting Student Success

Empowered Performances: Spotlighting Student Success

Involving students in concert planning and preparations can make the experience even more meaningful and reflective of students’ growth.

Check out the Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education wherever you listen to podcasts.

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
Podbean
Amazon Music

The form you have selected does not exist.