Pass the Baton: Empowering all Music Students – Book Study
Date
June 8-July 31, 2026
Online
Asynchronous, with 3 online meetings on Zoom
Course Code
8456B
Credits
3
Tuition
$1,194
Course Description
Every student deserves to take ownership of their musical learning journey! This book study, Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students, will guide music teachers in understanding the importance of student empowerment and provide practical strategies to integrate this mindset into existing lesson plans, programs, and traditions. Together with the authors of the book, Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover, participants will build on strengths and current teaching practices to create a more learner-centered experience where students actively engage in the creative process, discovering their unique voices, interests, and choices. Through activities, discussions, and personalized guidance from the authors, participants will be equipped to curate a dynamic classroom setting where students take a proactive role in shaping their musical experiences, thus bolstering their artistic growth and expression.
Instructor
Theresa Hoover is a Teaching Instructor of Music Education at East Carolina University. Before joining ECU, she served as a graduate teaching assistant at Arizona State University, where she is currently a PhD candidate.
Theresa’s extensive experiences includes teaching instrumental, general, and vocal music in both public and private schools in Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia. She was the founding director of the Chester County Youth Wind Ensemble and has served as a guest conductor for both elementary and middle school ensembles. Additionally, she served as a brass, percussion, and technology advisor for the Virginia Winds Academy.
As a dedicated advocate for music teachers, Theresa’s research interests focus on informal professional development and the creation of learner-centered environments in music classrooms. She is a recognized presenter and clinician at local, regional, and national conferences, including recent presentations at the Midwest Clinic and the NAfME Biennial Research and Teacher Education Conference.
Theresa is the co-author of Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students and co-hosts its companion podcast. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Penn State University and a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from West Chester University. When not teaching, you can find Theresa curled up with a good book, on the running trail, traveling to visit family and friends, or spending time with her dog, Dizzy.
Kathryn Finch has twenty-plus years of experience in the elementary general music classroom and currently teaches in Northbrook, IL. She speaks passionately about the shift in music education from teacher-led to student-led activities. She focuses on practical ways music educators can transform their classrooms to empower their students to own their learning. Kathryn co-authored the book, Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students as well as two other teaching resources, Full STEAM Ahead: Lessons to shift instruction, empower students, and transform your music classroom and Everyone Loves a Story: Bringing books to life through music.