APME Miami 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to the APME Miami 2026 Conference!
Here you can register and update your Sched profile. A draft schedule will be available March 1, when you’ll be able to explore sessions and build your agenda.

Questions? Visit our website or email [email protected].

Join us June 4–6 at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, as we celebrate the rhythms, relationships, and revolutions shaping popular music education.

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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2:00pm EDT

Future Sounds: Soul Science Lab on Music, Culture, and Innovation

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Volpe 207 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

Join Chen Lo and Asante Amin of Soul Science Lab in a conversation facilitated by Carnegie Hall exploring the roots of Black music and its influence on hip hop. Through storytelling, creative dialogue, and behind-the-scenes insights into their artistic process, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how original projects are developed while also exploring career pathways within the creative, educational, and cultural industries.

Speakers

Asante Amin

Co-Founder, Soul Science Lab

Asante Amin is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and educator. He has shared the stage with several globally renowned artists, including Rhiannon Giddens, Jessica Care Moore, Blitz the Ambassador, Ismael Kouyaté, Mos Def, GZA, Wynton Marsalis, and others. Amin is... Read More →

Chen Lo

Co-Founder, Soul Science Lab

Chen Lo is an accomplished emcee, songwriter, educator and creative director. He has toured the globe as a musician delivering master classes and live performances. Lo has also shared the stage with the likes of Common, Erykah Badu, Rapsody, and The Last Poets. He is currently an... Read More →

Soul Science Lab

Artists, Soul Science Lab

MEET SOUL SCIENCE LAB
Soul Science Lab (SSL) is a music and multimedia duo powered by Chen Lo and Asante Amin. The two are storytellers who inspire the future. SSL is dedicated to empowering communities through original music, innovative storytelling, and arts education. The duo’s current projects include... Read More →

Gina Izzo

Manager, Learning and Engagement, Carnegie Hall

Manager of Learning and Engagement at Carnegie Hall, oversees Musical Explorers, connecting K–2 students to diverse musical communities. She supports teachers and young children in building core music skills through listening, singing, and movement with songs from around the... Read More →

Joanna Massey

Director, Learning and Engagement Programs, Carnegie Hall

Hailing from a family of educators, Joanna Massey serves as the Director of Learning & Engagement at Carnegie Hall, where she develops and leads programs that connect students, teachers, and young artists with inspiring musical experiences - helping them explore their creativity... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Volpe 207 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

👯‍♀️Panel (55), Performance

2:00pm EDT

Live Is the Lesson: What Live Performance Teaches Us About Building Artists, Artistry, and Audience

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Volpe 102 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

Live performance remains the most revealing, connective, and transformative space in music. This session explores what educators and student musicians can learn from every level of live performance—from global tours to small venues where artists compete for attention. Brian Wilkins (Manager, Educator, Technologist, Frost School of Music, University of Miami) and Tommy Merrill (Artist Agent/Manager, ECR Music Group) will share insights on preparation, performance, and sustainability in today’s evolving live ecosystem, including how technology, AI, and alternative performance opportunities are shaping the future of artistry and audience engagement.

Speakers

Brian Wilkins

Founder/Lecturer, Aesthetic Music Group/Frost School of Music

BRIAN WILKINS - BIO Brian Wilkins is a manager, educator, technologist, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the music, education, and technology. Brian has held executive and creative positions at major record labels (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony BMG/Universal... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

👯‍♀️Panel (55), Performance

2:00pm EDT

Pop Theory in Practice: Teaching the Building Blocks of Modern Hits

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Volpe 203 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

Music theory was originally developed to describe and explain the Euroclassical repertoire. While its foundations remain essential, relying on traditional theory alone to teach commercial songwriting and production is a bit like giving students an old map to navigate a city that has transformed. Drawing on systematic analysis of today’s chart-topping songs, this session introduces frameworks that expand traditional theory to include the elements, patterns, and conventions that define today’s commercial music landscape.

Speakers

David Penn

Co-Founder, Hit Songs Deconstructed

David Penn is the co-founder of Hit Songs Deconstructed, a leading educational platform that provides detailed data and analysis on the craft and trends behind today’s hit songs. Often described as “music theory for popular music,” Hit Songs Deconstructed has become an essential... Read More →

Yael Penn

Co-Founder, Hit Songs Deconstructed

Yael Penn is the co-founder of Hit Songs Deconstructed, a leading music platform that provides detailed data and analysis on the craft and trends behind contemporary hit songs. Often described as "music theory for popular music," Hit Songs Deconstructed has become an essential resource... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Volpe 203 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

👯‍♀️Panel (55), HPME

2:00pm EDT

Popular Music in Elementary Music Methods Courses

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Volpe 103 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

In this panel, the presenters will discuss innovative strategies for integrating popular music into elementary music teacher education. The panelists will share practical approaches for adapting traditional general music methods and overcoming institutional barriers. Attendees will gain actionable ideas to prepare preservice music teachers for teaching popular music in today’s elementary music classrooms.

Speakers

Sandra S. Adorno

Associate Professor of Music Education, Florida International University

Dr. Sandra Sanchez Adorno is an associate professor of music education at Florida International University. She teaches courses in elementary general music, assessment and evaluation in music education, music psychology, and modern band. Sandra is certified in Orff-Schulwerk and World... Read More →

David Dockan

Assistant Professor of Music Education, Louisiana State University

David Dockan, PhD (he/him/his) is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Louisiana State University, where he teaches courses in elementary music methods, popular/commercial music techniques, and teaching music in diverse settings. Committed to helping teachers design curricula that reflect students’ musical... Read More →

Melissa Ryan

Assistant Professor of Music Education, University of New Mexico

Dr. Melissa Ryan is an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico. She specializes in inclusive and creative general music education, drawing on experience teaching music across the U.S. and abroad. Her work includes professional development for teachers and research on social... Read More →

Martina Vasil

Professor of Music Education, University of Kentucky

Martina Vasil, PhD, is Professor of Music Education and Director of Graduate Studies for the University of Kentucky School of Music. She is a board member of Music Will and past president of APME. Martina learned to salsa dance from Marlon Silva in Pittsburgh, PA and was... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Volpe 103 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

👯‍♀️Panel (55), HPME

2:00pm EDT

The Rhythms & Rituals of New Orleans

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Volpe 103 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

Experience the heartbeat of New Orleans through its music, rhythms, and traditions. Join GRAMMY-winning producer Martin Shore and Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. of the Wild Magnolias for an immersive journey from second line grooves to the powerful culture of the Mardi Gras Indians. Discover signature rhythms, chants, and the meaning behind “masking” as you explore how music and tradition connect community, identity, and resilience. This high-energy, participatory session invites you to clap, stomp, and sing along—bringing the spirit of New Orleans to life.

Speakers

Ashley Shabankareh

Director of Programs, Trombone Shorty Foundation

Emmett Price

Dean, Africana Studies, Berklee

Martin Shore

Presdient, Take Me To The River Education Initiative

Award-winning filmmaker/producer/musician Martin Shore is the founder of the Take Me to the River Education Initiative, a 501c3 dedicated to preserving musical tradition while bringing music education back to schools across the country and the world. Take Me To The River (2014... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Volpe 103 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

👯‍♀️Panel (55), Culture and Belonging