As part of our Best of Pass the Baton series, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations from the podcast archives. If you're interested in creating a music classroom where students experience greater autonomy, creativity, and joy, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

In this encore presentation of Episode 77, Kathryn and Theresa sit down with Grammy Music Educator of the Year Stephen Cox as he shares his unique approach to music education and discusses his work with the Willis Wonderland Foundation. Drawing on his 14-year teaching career in Texas, Stephen reflects on how he developed a progressive, student-centered approach to band that prioritized student voice, intrinsic motivation, and meaningful musical experiences. He shares how empowering students to lead and make decisions transformed both his teaching and his students' growth.

Stephen also introduces the work of the Willis Wonderland Foundation, where he is helping develop free songwriting resources for teachers. Created to honor the legacy of legendary songwriter Allee Willis, the foundation provides educators with tools to inspire creativity through songwriting and student expression. Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or listening again, Stephen's ideas offer a compelling vision for how creative freedom and student empowerment can transform music classrooms.

Connect with Stephen and learn more:

• Website: https://stephentcox.com/
• The Willis Wonderland Foundation

Resources suggested by Stephen:

• Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
• Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation
• Punished By Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes

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• Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection