In episode 85, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Merlin Thompson, an experienced private music teacher, clinician, and the founder of Teach Music 21C. With over 45 years of teaching experience, Merlin shares powerful insights on fostering lifelong musicianship through reflective partnership teaching. He challenges the traditional master-apprentice model and instead emphasizes a collaborative, student-centered approach that encourages ownership, creativity, and personal connection to music. Merlin shares practical strategies for helping students engage with music beyond lessons, including his innovative “chill out concert” concept and the importance of integrating student choice into learning.

Music educators of all kinds—whether private instructors or classroom teachers—will find valuable takeaways in this conversation. Merlin’s framework of gathering information, exploring perspectives, and planning next steps provides a clear path toward more meaningful music instruction. If you’re looking to empower your students to become lifelong music-makers, this episode is packed with actionable ideas that you can implement right away. Tune in and get inspired to rethink how you approach student learning in your own teaching!

Connect with Merlin and learn more:

- Website: Teach Music 21c
- LinkedIn

- Book: More than Music Lessons

Resources from this episode:

- Episode 78: Fostering Collaboration, Ownership, and Creativity

- Student Decision Making Resource: Let Students Decide

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! Get it for free now. ⁠⁠