Episode 92

Episode 92 – Season 4 Rewind: Recap and Looking Ahead

Season 4 Rewind: Recap and Looking Ahead 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…

Permission to Experiment: Embracing Creativity, Reflection, and Growth

Episode 91 – Permission to Experiment: Embracing Creativity, Reflection, and Growth

Permission to Experiment: Embracing Creativity, Reflection, and Growth 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…

Throw Away the Rubric: Ungrading the Music Room

Episode 90 – Throw Away the Rubric: Ungrading the Music Room

Throw Away the Rubric: Ungrading the Music Room In Episode 90, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by Chris Gleason for a thought-provoking conversation about grading – or more specifically, ungrading. 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…

Episode 89 - From Surface to Substance: Deepening Cultural Engagement in Music Education

Episode 89 – From Surface to Substance: Deepening Cultural Engagement in Music Education

From Surface to Substance: Deepening Cultural Engagement in Music Education 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…

Episoe 88 - Parent Orchestra

Episode 88 – Music as a Gift: Connecting Through Parent Orchestras

Music as a Gift: Connecting Through Parent Orchestras 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…

Episode 87 – Using the Critical Response Process to Foster Meaningful Dialogue

Episode 87 – Using the Critical Response Process to Foster Meaningful Dialogue

Using the Critical Response Process to Foster Meaningful Dialogue 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…

The Power of Student Voice: Building Equity in Music Education

Episode 86 – The Power of Student Voice: Building Equity in Music Education

The Power of Student Voice: Building Equity in Music Education 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…

Fostering Lifelong Learning through Reflective Partnerships

Episode 85 – Fostering Lifelong Learning through Reflective Partnerships

Fostering Lifelong Learning through Reflective Partnerships 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…

Episode 84

Episode 84 – Assessment for Growth: Empowering Student Musicians

Assessment for Growth: Empowering Student Musicians 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…

Creative Social Justice Projects in General Music

Episode 83 – Creative Social Justice Projects in General Music 

Creative Social Justice Projects in General Music 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…