In Episode 93 of the Pass the Baton podcast, co-hosts Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover kick off Season 5 with a timely conversation about setting up music classrooms with intention from day one. Drawing on their diverse teaching backgrounds—Kathryn in elementary general music and Theresa transitioning to a new role in higher education—they explore practical strategies for creating an environment where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. From classroom design and student centers to collaborative expectations and learner-driven activities, they emphasize the importance of fostering independence, creativity, and connection.

Throughout the episode, Kathryn and Theresa revisit foundational ideas from their book Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students, including student voice, choice, ownership, and authentic music-making. They offer tangible suggestions teachers can implement right away, such as using students’ names, incorporating creativity early on, and inviting students to share what they want to learn. Whether you're a veteran or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to be more intentional in your planning and build a student-centered learning environment from the very beginning.

Looking to introduce improvisation during the first few weeks of school? Check out this free resource: Call and Response Improv

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

• Pass the Baton website
• Join the Coffee Club
• Support Pass the Baton
• Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection

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 share behind-the-scenes insights into resources like the Post-Concert Creativity Challenge and preview their upcoming summer course through VanderCook College.

The episode also includes some personal updates—Kathryn introduces a new four-legged family member, and Theresa shares her excitement about moving across the country to begin a new faculty position at East Carolina University. It’s a thoughtful and celebratory wrap-up full of gratitude, practical ideas, and a look ahead to what’s next. We’ll be back in August with all-new episodes to kick off Season 5—see you then!

Links from this episode:

• Theresa’s Dissertation Survey
• Pass the Baton Coffee Club
• Post-Concert Creativity Challenge
• VanderCook Summer Book Study
• Instagram - @PasstheBatonMusicEd
• Facebook - Pass the Baton Book
• Website - passthebatonbook.com
• Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
• Episode 82 with Matthew Stensrud
• Episode 77 with Stephen Cox
• Episode 83 with Jasmine Henderson
• Episode 85 with Merlin Thompson
• Episode 86 with Felipe Morales-Torres

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 improvisation circles with beginner fifth graders to a rock band-style “Pop Music Lab” class for middle schoolers, Alisa offers practical ways to make music education more engaging and responsive to students’ interests.

Listeners will be inspired by Alisa’s candid reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and how she used her own quilting practice to reflect deeply on her teaching. Whether you're an elementary, middle school, or high school teacher, this episode offers valuable takeaways—like giving students more choice, creating space for improvisation, and designing musical experiences that connect in-school learning with students' real-world musical interests. Tune in to hear how you might give yourself—and your students—permission to experiment.

Connect with Alisa and learn more:

• Email: amastin@asu.edu
• Dissertation: Becoming Music Teacher: A Quilted A/r/tographic Inquiry

More about Pass the Baton:

• Pass the Baton website
• Join the Coffee Club
• Support Pass the Baton
• Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self