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

In Episode 90, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by Chris Gleason for a thought-provoking conversation about grading. Chris challenges traditional notions of grading and assessment, offering compelling stories and practical strategies for shifting from compliance-based systems to student-centered, intrinsic learning environments. With humor, wisdom, and years of classroom experience, Chris explores what it means to foster agency, curiosity, and deep reflection in music education—and why students’ growth can’t (and shouldn’t) be reduced to a number or letter grade.

Whether you're brand new to the concept of ungrading or already dipping your toes in these waters, this episode is sure to get you thinking deeply about your own classroom practices. Chris reminds us that meaningful learning comes from relationships, relevance, and reflection—not from points, charts, or checklists. Tune in for an honest, encouraging, and energizing discussion that will leave you inspired to rethink assessment and empowered to make bold changes that truly benefit your students.

Connect with Chris and learn more:

• Website: www.chrisgleason.com
• Podcast: Beyond Artless
• Beyond the Notes Music Festival

Other resources from this episode:

• Episode 84 - Assessment for Growth: Empowering Student Musicians
• Episode 67 - Unlock Student Potential: Transforming Assessment in Music Education
• Episode 55 - Assessment for Learning: Nurturing Growth and Progress in Every Student
• Trust and Inspire, by Steven Covey
• Punished by Rewards, by Alfie Kohn
• The Art of Possibility, by Rosemond Stone Zander
• Hacking Assessment, by Starr Sackstein
• Undoing the Grade, by Jesse Stommel

Connect with Pass the Baton and learn more:

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

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!