Pass the Baton
Back-to-School Challenge
Build student agency in the music classroom - one small step at a time.
Join this free 5-week email challenge and receive one practical idea each week to help your students become more engaged, independent, and invested in music learning.
The first weeks of school matter.
Most music teachers begin the year by establishing routines. But the routines you create during the first few weeks also shape how students participate all year long.
This challenge will help you intentionally build a classroom where students have a voice, make meaningful choices, create music, ask questions, and make authentic connections.
No overwhelming to-do lists.
Just one practical idea each week.
Every week, you'll receive a short email designed to help you intentionally foster student agency in your music classroom.
Each email will include:
A thought-provoking question to guide your teaching.
One practical challenge to try with your students.
Examples for both elementary and secondary music classrooms.
Reflection prompts to help you build on what you've learned.
You'll spend about five minutes reading each email, but the conversations they spark could influence your teaching all year long.
The Five Weeks
Week 1 - Student Voice
What messages are students receiving about their role in this classroom?
Week 2 - Student Choice
What decisions can students realistically help make?
Week 3 - Student Creativity
Where are students creating music, not just reproducing it?
Week 4 - Student Curiosity
Whose questions are driving the learning?
Week 5 - Student Connection
How are students connecting their learning beyond the classroom?
Meet Your Guides
Hi! We're Theresa Hoover and Kathryn Finch, co-hosts of the Pass the Baton podcast and co-authors of Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students.
For years we've worked with music teachers who want to create more student-centered classrooms without feeling like they have to reinvent everything.
That's exactly what this challenge is about.
Small shifts.
Thoughtful teaching.
One week at a time.
Ready to start the year intentionally?
Complete this form to secure your spot in the Pass the Baton Back-to-School Challenge.
You don't need to redesign your curriculum.
Sometimes one intentional change each week is enough to transform the culture of your classroom.
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