Episode 67 – Unlock Student Potential: Transforming Assessments in Music Education
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Episode 67 – Unlock Student Potential: Transforming Assessments in Music Education

Unlock Student Potential: Transforming Assessments in Music Education 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…

Episode 58 – Spotlight on Genius Hour in the Elementary Music Room 
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Episode 58 – Spotlight on Genius Hour in the Elementary Music Room 

Spotlight on Genius Hour in the Elementary Music Room  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…

Episode 57 – Nurturing Inquisitive Minds in Young Musicians
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Episode 57 – Nurturing Inquisitive Minds in Young Musicians

Nurturing Inquisitive Minds in Young Musicians In episode 57, Kathryn and Theresa talk to SJ, who shares his journey and experiences in music education. SJ was born into a musical family in Bihar, India, and raised in Mumbai. His passion for music was inherited from his father, and he pursued a master’s in literature and…

Episode 56 – Straight Talk on Student-Centered Music Classes
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Episode 56 – Straight Talk on Student-Centered Music Classes

Straight Talk on Student-Centered Music Classes 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…

Episode 53 – The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Music Education
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Episode 53 – The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Music Education

The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Music Education In episode 53, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Dr. Shane Colquhoun, an assistant professor of music technology and contemporary styles at Alabama State University. Shane discusses the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to music education by challenging the notion of “music education for all,” arguing…

Student Ownership Through Active Thinking
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Student Ownership Through Active Thinking

This week, Kathryn and Theresa talked to Dr. Brian Weidner, an assistant professor of music education at Butler University, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Brian spent twelve years teaching high school band prior to earning a PhD from Northwestern University. Much of his work now spawned from the various questions he asked during his time teaching public…

A Student-Centered Approach to Secondary General Music

Welcome back! This week, Kathryn and Theresa interviewed Rachael Sanguinetti, a middle school music teacher in Rochester, New York. Rachael’s teaching load includes middle school chorus and a variety of general music classes, such as 6th grade foundational music, audio production and modern band, ukulele, and more. Being at an independent school, Rachael has the…

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The Student-Centered Modern Band

Happy New Year! This week, we were excited to interview Shemeka Nash, a band director in Chicago, Illinois. Shemeka currently teaches 7th-12th grade band at Morgan Park High School and is also the fine arts department chair. She has done a lot of great things for the band program at Morgan Park, including creating a…

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Creating a Student-Centered Choral Program

This week’s interview features Brian Ackles, a vocal music teacher at Marcellus High School, in Marcellus, NY. Brian has taught in his current position for 20 years, and previously taught middle school and elementary school music. He received his bachelor’s degree from Westminster Choir College and his master’s degree from the University of Texas at…

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Crafting Student-Centered Lessons (Part 2 of 2)

In part two of this interview, Kathryn and Theresa continue the conversation with Jesse Rathgeber, a music education professor at Augustana College, about his views on planning and teaching student-centered music classes. If you missed part 1, check it out here: Crafting Student-Centered Lessons, Part 1.  Transforming an Elementary School Performance  One specific area that…