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 insightful conversation, Erin shares her journey from unintentionally tokenizing culture in her teaching to developing sustainable, authentic practices that center student voices and community traditions. She offers powerful reflections and practical steps for educators who want to move from surface-level cultural inclusion to more meaningful engagement.

This episode is a must-listen for music educators striving to create inclusive classrooms without feeling overwhelmed. Erin reminds us that change doesn't have to happen all at once—it’s about consistent, thoughtful progress over time. Whether you're teaching general music or conducting an ensemble, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to deepen cultural relevance in your teaching. Tune in and be inspired to take that next small, meaningful step toward more inclusive music education.

Connect with Erin and learn more:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram - @doctorz_longy
• Personal website - http://www.erinzaffini.com/
• School website - http://www.longy.edu/

Other resources from this episode:

• Episode 86: The Power of Student Voice: Building Equity in Music Education, with Felipe Morales-Torres

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 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 instrument and experience the joy and challenges of music-making firsthand. With over 225 participants and a growing waitlist, this thriving program fosters cross-cultural relationships and strengthens bonds between families, educators, and schools in profound ways.

Whether you're a music teacher looking to build deeper connections with your students' families or someone curious about innovative approaches to music education, this episode is for you. Annie’s passion and creativity will leave you feeling inspired to reimagine how music can unite communities and empower learners of all ages. Tune in to discover how music, when treated as a gift rather than a product, can truly bring people together in meaningful ways.

Connect with Annie and learn more:

• Instagram: @AnnieRay.Sounds
• Website: Motherhood and Music Education

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

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

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 dialogue and empowering students to take ownership of their learning. Through CRP, students learn to articulate their observations, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in constructive, permission-based feedback. By integrating this process into music education, teachers can create more equitable, student-centered environments that encourage creativity, agency, and collaborative learning.

Music teachers will leave this episode with practical strategies for implementing CRP in their classrooms, whether through peer feedback on student compositions, discussions about performance techniques, or even broader conversations about musicianship as an ongoing journey. If you're looking for ways to shift from a traditional top-down approach to one where students feel truly heard and valued, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways to help you get started.

Connect with Mallory and learn more:

• Contact Mallory
• Learn about the Critical Response Process
• Connect with an Expert Facilitator

More about Pass the Baton:

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