Empowering Students in the Music Classroom with Theresa Hoover

In this episode, Alan and Steve talk with educator, podcaster, speaker, and author Theresa Hoover about practical strategies for empowering students in music education. They explore ways to give students more ownership over their learning, including soliciting feedback, incorporating student-led activities, and encouraging creativity and composition. The conversation also covers common challenges and how to overcome them when implementing student-centered approaches. Whether you teach elementary general music or high school ensembles, this episode provides actionable ideas to help your students become more engaged and invested musicians.

Off the Beaten Path Website

Pass the Baton Book

Theresa Hoover

Theresa Hoover is a music educator, speaker, and writer. She is an advocate for student voice in the music room and works to empower students throughout their musical experiences and help teachers transform their classrooms to become student-centered learning environments. Theresa has taught instrumental, general, and vocal music in a variety of settings, most recently teaching middle school band in Northern Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in wind conducting from West Chester University, both in Pennsylvania. Theresa is currently working towards a PhD in Music Learning and Teaching at Arizona State University.  

Theresa is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Noteflight Learn Trainer, frequently working with teachers to help integrate technology into their music classes. She is a recognized presenter and clinician for local, regional, and national conferences and teaches graduate electives for music educators at several institutions. Theresa is the author of Empowering Ensembles With Technology and the co-author of Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students and the co-host of the podcast Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education. 

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. 


Show Notes