Persistence, perseverance, grit, determination, focus, self-concept, and self-efficacy are foundational qualities that significantly impact success in musical study and participation. For pre-service music teachers, developing and embodying these attributes is critical—not only for their own professional growth but also for effectively fostering these qualities in their future students. Research indicates that many students struggle to maintain sustained involvement and motivation in music programs, often due to unmet psychological needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are unfulfilled, engagement and persistence tend to decline, contributing to challenges in student retention and enthusiasm for music education. Pre-service music teachers must therefore be equipped to understand and address these psychological dynamics to create supportive, motivating, and inclusive learning environments. This paper presentation examines how designing learning experiences that involve musicians actively participating as partners—through self-selecting repertoire, peer-led rehearsals in diverse ensemble settings, and frequent performances without reliance on a conductor—can enhance students’ sense of autonomy and ownership over their musical development. Furthermore, the paper highlights the impact of autonomy-supportive, non-controlling communication and behaviors in fostering a growth mindset within the music classroom. Using language and instructional methods that emphasize effort, improvement, and resilience over fixed ability, educators can build students’ confidence, intrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy. Additionally, the research identifies effective approaches for helping students discover and express their individual musical voice and identity within rehearsals and performances. Encouraging personal expression alongside technical skill development fosters deeper emotional engagement and a longer-term commitment to music. By addressing the psychological needs of pre-service music teachers and their students, this research contributes to a better understanding of how to cultivate persistence, engagement, and meaningful participation in music education. Equipping educators with these tools holds promise for fostering resilient and motivated musicians, thereby strengthening the future of music teaching and learning.