Perspectives on Student Empowerment in Music Education 

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.

They wanted students to be independent musicians and independent learners. And they achieved it by focusing on the individual students’ needs and then focusing on the environment of the classroom.

Here are some key takeaways from Theresa’s interview:

  • Theresa’s research project at ASU focuses on analyzing themes from interviews conducted in the “Pass the Baton” podcast, specifically in the context of secondary music education.
  • When talking about student empowerment, music teachers share how they want students to be independent musicians and independent learners. 
  • Music teachers focus on individual student needs and the creation of a safe and inclusive classroom environment, highlighting the shift towards more student-centered teaching approaches in music education.
  • Theresa hopes her research could serve as a framework for educators to evaluate and enhance their teaching strategies, contributing to the evolution of more effective and empowering music education practices.

Connect with Theresa to learn more about her work:

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!

YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts

You might also enjoy:

Similar Posts

Bridging the Gap: How Music Technology Can Engage All Students

Episode 76 – Bridging the Gap: How Music Technology Can Engage All Students

ByTheresa

Bridging the Gap: How Music Technology Can Engage All Students In episode 76, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Gillian Desmarais Keller, an award-winning music educator specializing in K-12 music technology. Gillian shares her journey from teaching elementary music to establishing a cutting-edge music technology program in Maplewood Public Schools. She highlights the importance of integrating technology…

Jodie Blackshaw: Creativity With a Student First Mindset
|

Episode 32: Creativity With a Student First Mindset

ByTheresa

This week, Kathryn and Theresa had the pleasure of speaking with Australian composer and educator Jodie Blackshaw. Jodie is a third-generation teacher. Her grandmother was one of the first people to practice Orff-Schulwerk in Australia, and her father taught in a one-room schoolhouse. Jodie’s work for concert band is nothing short of innovative. Her focus…

Focus on What We Can Do

ByTheresa

Many of us have been in this new “distance learning” phase for a few weeks now – or as A.J. Juliani calls it “emergency remote learning.” Whatever term you use, we’re discovering that it’s not the same. We can’t replicate what happens in our classrooms online. And that’s ok. I think instead we need to focus on what we can do with this time.

Episode 55 – Assessment for Learning: Nurturing Growth and Progress in Every Student

Episode 55 – Assessment for Learning: Nurturing Growth and Progress in Every Student

ByTheresa

Assessment for Learning: Nurturing Growth and Progress in Every Student In episode 55, Kathryn and Theresa sit down with Terry Little, a veteran music educator with over three decades of experience. Terry delves deep into the concept of “assessment for learning,” emphasizing its role in making the educational process more student-centered. Instead of traditional grading…

Episode 41

Episode 41: Empower Students to Practice With Purpose

ByTheresa

In episode 41, Kathryn and Theresa had the pleasure of interviewing two amazing music educators from Fairfax, Virginia – Katie LaBrie and Tracy Magwire! Katie LaBrie taught orchestra in Fairfax County Public Schools for over 16 years and is currently the new Orchestra Division Editor for Randall Standridge Music Publications. Tracy Magwire is in her…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *