Programming for Agency: Choosing Repertoire That Empowers Students
In episode 109, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by music educator Mary Cogswell to explore how repertoire choices can help foster student agency in ensemble classrooms. The conversation begins with a discussion of flexible (flex) repertoire—music designed for ensembles with varying or unbalanced instrumentation. Mary explains how flex music expanded during the pandemic and how it can be used not only to accommodate instrumentation challenges but also to give students meaningful choices. When students can learn multiple parts and choose which one they perform, experiment with ensemble combinations, or rehearse in small chamber-like groups, they begin to take greater ownership of the music-making process.
The conversation then expands beyond flex music to highlight other repertoire and teaching approaches that invite creativity and decision-making. Theresa and Mary discuss pieces and curricular ideas that incorporate improvisation, composition, and flexible musical structures, allowing students to shape the music themselves. From adaptable beginning band works to compositions designed for creative exploration, the episode offers practical ways teachers can select and use repertoire that moves students from simply performing music to actively creating and directing their musical experiences.
Listen to the full interview:
Here are some key takeaways from Episode 109:
- Student Choice – When students choose which part to perform in flexible repertoire, they develop ownership, engagement, and deeper connection to the music.
- Flex Music Possibilities – Flexible repertoire supports unbalanced ensembles while opening opportunities for students to explore multiple parts and collaborative decision-making.
- Creativity Early – Introducing improvisation and creative choices early helps students see themselves not just as performers, but as active music creators.
- Beyond the Page – Powerful repertoire invites students to shape expression, structure, and meaning instead of only reproducing notes and rhythms on the page.
- Connection Matters- When repertoire invites storytelling, personal reflection, or creative decisions, students connect more deeply with the music and each other.
Connect with Mary and learn more:
- Mary’s website: Beginning Band and Beyond
- CreaTUNEity
Repertoire to Foster Student Agency:
Learn more about Pass the Baton:
- Join the Coffee Club
- Support Pass the Baton
- Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
Coffee Club Members: be sure to check out the bonus material available for this episode! Not a member? Join today → Pass the Baton Coffee Club
Ready for more?
You can check out the full interview on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Or you can listen right here, on Spotify Podcasts!
You might also enjoy these other episodes:
- Episode 62 – The Kids Come First: Student Ownership in Ensembles, featuring Kathleen Jacoby
- Episode 90 – Throw Away the Rubric: Ungrading the Music Room, featuring Chris Gleason
- Episode 77 – Inspiring Young Musicians: Passion and Purpose in Music Education, featuring Stephen Cox
- Episode 85 – Fostering Lifelong Learning through Reflective Partnerships, featuring Merlin Thompson
