EPISODE · Jun 15, 2026 · 46 MIN
Best Of: The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Music Education, featuring Shane Colquhoun
from Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education, a Podcast for Music Teachers · host Theresa Hoover and Kathryn Finch, Music Educators
As part of our Best of Pass the Baton series, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations from the podcast archives. We say we want music education for all students, but how do we actually reach ALL students? Dr. Shane Colquhoun shares how we can take steps toward a more student-centered approach in music education.In this encore presentation of Episode 53, Kathryn and Theresa talk with Dr. Shane Colquhoun, an assistant professor of music technology and contemporary styles at Alabama State University. Shane discusses the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to music education by challenging the notion of "music education for all," arguing that current programs often cater only to students with specific musical interests, such as classical instruments, while neglecting those interested in contemporary or popular music. He advocates for a more student-centered approach, where educators ask students what they want to learn and tailor the curriculum accordingly. Shane also emphasizes the need to train future teachers to be open to different forms of musicianship and to be willing to adapt their methods to better serve a diverse student body. Connect with Shane and Learn More: Website: Music and Ed Book, The Producers of Pop Instagram: @MusicandEdLearn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton websiteJoin the Coffee Club Support Pass the BatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
What this episode covers
As part of our Best of Pass the Baton series, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations from the podcast archives. We say we want music education for all students, but how do we actually reach ALL students? Dr. Shane Colquhoun shares how we can take steps toward a more student-centered approach in music education.In this encore presentation of Episode 53, Kathryn and Theresa talk with Dr. Shane Colquhoun, an assistant professor of music technology and contemporary styles at Alabama State University. Shane discusses the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to music education by challenging the notion of "music education for all," arguing that current programs often cater only to students with specific musical interests, such as classical instruments, while neglecting those interested in contemporary or popular music. He advocates for a more student-centered approach, where educators ask students what they want to learn and tailor the curriculum accordingly. Shane also emphasizes the need to train future teachers to be open to different forms of musicianship and to be willing to adapt their methods to better serve a diverse student body. Connect with Shane and Learn More: Website: Music and Ed Book, The Producers of Pop Instagram: @MusicandEdLearn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton websiteJoin the Coffee Club Support Pass the BatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
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Best Of: The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Music Education, featuring Shane Colquhoun
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