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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10:20am EDT

Defanging the Canon Monster: Reducing the Friction of Building Quality Setlists

Friday June 5, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT

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

The concept of a “canon” in popular music has often been framed as exclusionary, privileging certain works while marginalizing others. Yet, when reimagined not as a gatekeeping mechanism but as a curated resource, canonization offers substantial pedagogical advantages. By establishing a structured catalog of exemplary songs, educators and students gain a shared repository from which to draw, streamlining the process of selecting high-quality and diverse repertoire. This curated approach reduces friction in assembling setlists for performance, rehearsal, or even informal jam sessions, allowing students to engage with influential works while maintaining flexibility and creativity. Importantly, the transition from printed scores to digital platforms amplifies these benefits: catalogs can be expanded, annotated, and shared in real time, supporting collaborative growth and responsive updates. Rather than confining musical exploration, this post-print curation empowers learners to navigate a simulatneously curated and dynamic landscape of repertoire, fostering both historical awareness and contemporary relevance. This presentation argues for a shift in perspective: canonization need not be a “monster” that restricts access, but a practical tool that facilitates discovery, skill-building, and collective musical engagement in the modern classroom and online communities.

Speakers

Dr. Tom Zlabinger

Associate Professor of Music, York College / CUNY

Dr. Tom Zlabinger is an Associate Professor of Music at York College in New York City and a leading figure in popular music education, serving as Founding President of the Association of Popular Music Education's New York Chapter (APME-NY). With a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT
Volpe 207 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Community Music

Audience Culture and Belonging

10:20am EDT

Private-Sector Popular Music Schools: Locations, Challenges, Opportunities

Friday June 5, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT

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

This paper discusses the global-yet-understudied phenomenon of private-sector popular music schools. Co-written by a music school owner (Mario) and a researcher studying private music schools (Kayla), we combine our international experience and perspectives to argue that popular music schools within the private sector are a unique – and worthy – topic of inquiry and discussion within popular music education.

Speakers

Mario de Inocencio

Founder and Director, Musiquea|Formación en Música Moderna

Mario de Inocencio is the founder and director of Musiquea|Formación en Música Moderna, a private music school based in Santander, northern Spain. Mario began his musical studies at the age of nine when he enrolled in piano lessons at a small school in Santander. During his adolescence... Read More →

Kayla Rush

Assistant Professor in Music, Mary Immaculate College

Dr Kayla Rush is an anthropologist of art, music, and performance, and an Assistant Professor in Music at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland. She earned her PhD in Social Anthropology from Queen’s University Belfast in 2018. She has previously held a Marie Skłodowska-Curie... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Business/ Entrepreneurship

10:50am EDT

Reinforcing Music Theory Understanding with Popular Music in Choir

Friday June 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:15am EDT

Volpe 106 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

This session demonstrates a unit project for middle or high school choir that incorporates popular music as the basis for reinforcing literacy. Students transcribe, arrange, then perform a pop song. The presenter will outline seven lessons then ask the attendees to create an initial list of songs they could use.

Speakers

Tina Beveridge

Assistant Professor/Director of Undergraduate Music Education, George Mason University

Dr. Tina Beveridge is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at George Mason University. Her diverse teaching experience includes choir, band, elementary general, jazz, and general music in the secondary school. At Mason, Dr. Beveridge teaches undergraduate methods classes in choral... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:15am EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), K-12

10:50am EDT

Toward an Expanded Music Will Framework: A Collective Case Study of Music Will’s Influence on Music Teacher Identity in Early Childhood Music Education

Friday June 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:15am EDT

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

Many Music Will (MW) teachers self-report working with elementary aged students, which can include early childhood (EC) through 5th grade. However, how might engagement with MW influence EC music education? In this study, EC music educators described how engagement with MW influenced their musicking experiences for EC music students.

Speakers

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 →

Bryan Powell

Associate Professor, Montclair State University/Music Will

Dr. Bryan Powell is Associate Professor of Music Education and Music Technology, and Coordinator for the Recording Arts and Production degree at Montclair State University where he teaches classes in music education, music technology, popular music, and directs the Montclair State... Read More →

Macy Bell

Assistant Professor, University of Alabama

Dr. Macy Bell is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at The University of Alabama. Dr. Bell is an Orff-Schulwerk Certified music educator with twelve years of professional experience in music education. Dr. Bell’s research agenda centers on critical consciousness and informal... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:15am EDT
Volpe 203 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), K-12

11:50am EDT

Incorporating Informal Music Learning Pedagogy that Encourage Music as Community

Friday June 5, 2026 11:50am - 12:15pm EDT

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

The purpose of this study was to examine the practices and perspectives of informal music learning pedagogy in the preservice music teacher preparation program. Innovations in course structure, sequence of courses, and contemporary teaching methods encourages curricular practices and assessments that facilitates music as community.

Speakers

Edward McClellan

Professor, Coordinator of Music Education, Loyola University New Orleans

Edward McClellan is the Rita O. Huntsinger Distinguished Professor of Music, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Loyola University New Orleans. Dr. McClellan is a member of the Editorial Boards for the International Journal of Music Education, Action, Criticism... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 11:50am - 12:15pm EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Community Music

11:50am EDT

Tarnish the Shiny Object: evaluating the learning technology in the music classroom

Friday June 5, 2026 11:50am - 12:15pm EDT

Volpe 106 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

This presentation examines just how useful certain learning technologies might be in contemporary music classrooms. We examine specific technologies, different theories of inquiry, and educational frameworks. We also discuss our conversations with current educators about the usability, affordances, and opportunities inherent in these learning technologies.

Speakers

Kate Gargiulo

Instructor, Student, Tessitura Network, UC San Diego Extension

Arts and entertainment industry veteran, Kate Gargiulo, has worked for both non-profit arts organizations and Fortune 500 companies including the Seattle Symphony, Kirkland Performance Center, The Broad Stage, and Live Nation Entertainment. Kate’s primary area of expertise is training... Read More →

Emily Langerholc

Doctoral Candidate/General Music Teacher, University of South Florida, Orange County Public Schools

Emily Langerholc is a 20 year veteran music educator from Florida. She has taught grades preK-12, teaching middle school band, chorus, exceptional music education, music appreciation, and currently teaches elementary general music in Orlando. She has taught in Broward, Palm Beach... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 11:50am - 12:15pm EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME

3:30pm EDT

Arranging for Voices, Horns & Strings

Friday June 5, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

Volpe 106 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

Explore basic techniques for arranging pop vocals, horns, and strings that balance creativity and practicality. Using written and DAW-based methods, learn to craft playable and singable arrangements that add diverse textures, rhythmic impact, melodic interest, and harmonic support. Includes real-world examples and tips for educators, producers, and songwriters.

Speakers

Brad Rees

Executive Director, Creative & Media Arts, Tiffin University

Brad Rees serves as Executive Director of Tiffin University’s Institute of Creative and Media Arts, where for 30 years, he has conducted university choirs, directed the award-winning a cappella ensemble Up in the Air, and taught voice, music theory, music production, and music business... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME

3:30pm EDT

Is Popular Music Education Too Creative? A Philosophical Argument for Balance

Friday June 5, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

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

This session examines whether popular music education has leaned too heavily on creativity, informality, and student-driven exploration while neglecting essential "traditional" musicianship skills. Using Deweyan philosophy and research in popular music pedagogy, it argues for a more intentional balance of formal and informal learning to strengthen modern band instruction and long-term musical development.

Speakers

Eli Yaroch

First Year Ph.D. & Associate Instructor, Indiana University

Eli Yaroch is a first-year Ph.D. student and Associate Instructor in Music Education at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Music Engineering Technologies from the University of Miami, where he also led the MusicReach Contemporary Department... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), K-12

3:30pm EDT

The "Pop Music Pyramid” – Constructing Holistic, Tradition-Conscious yet Innovative Studies in Higher Education

Friday June 5, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

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

For students, both belonging to a music tradition and being innovative are crucial. But – how could these two be balanced most fruitfully? First, this session explores this frequent topic from a novel philosophical perspective. Second, it presents original practical implementations for everyday lessons and for constructing holistic programs and curricula.

Speakers

Dr. Kristian Wahlström

PhD, Lecturer in electric guitar and band performance, Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory

Dr. Kristian Wahlström is an established guitarist and has played professionally for over 25 years in the Finnish music scene. As a freelancer, he has performed live with, e.g., Michael Monroe (Hanoi Rocks) and Perttu Kivilaakso (Apocalyptica) as well as recorded with Darude among... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT
Volpe 103 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME

4:00pm EDT

Hip Hop Crate Digging as Method: Embodied Listening, Sampling, and Sonic Storytelling

Friday June 5, 2026 4:00pm - 4:25pm EDT

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

This hands-on workshop demonstrates Hip Hop sampling using vinyl, a turntable, and a drum machine. I will show the sampling process, then invite participants to try the drum machine to manipulate samples, revealing how creative listening, experimentation, and tactile beat-making function as powerful tools for teaching, learning, and cultural engagement.

Speakers

Dr. Jason Rawls

Assistant Professor of Hip Hop, The Ohio State University

Known for his music production work with artists like Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Mos Def, Domo Genesis (Odd Future), Capital Steez (Pro Era), Beastie Boys, Del tha Funky Homosapien, Aloe Blacc and more. Still an active practitioner in the music industry, in 2024, Rawls released... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 4:00pm - 4:25pm EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25)

4:00pm EDT

Responding to the challenges of liquid modernity

Friday June 5, 2026 4:00pm - 4:25pm EDT

Volpe 106 @ Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

How do educators face recent changes in personal identities, relationships to work, and formation of communities, institutions, and social bonds? This research presentation applies the theory of “liquid modernity” by the sociologist Zygmunt Bauman (2013) to popular music education at all levels to answer this question.

Speakers

Joseph Michael Abramo

Associate Professor of Music Education, University of Connecticut

Dr. Joseph Abramo is an educator with 24 years of experience and is currently a professor of music education at UConn where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses. He has eight years of teaching middle and high school experience in New York State, where he taught concert bands... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 4:00pm - 4:25pm EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25)

4:00pm EDT

Who Played That? College Music Education Students’ Accuracy in Detecting AI-Generated Piano Performance

Friday June 5, 2026 4:00pm - 4:25pm EDT

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

This study examines whether college music education students can distinguish between human and AI-rendered piano performances. Seventeen participants evaluated six excerpts across three musical styles. Results reveal detection accuracy (52%) was not significantly different from chance, and confidence ratings showed no correlation with accuracy, suggesting students cannot reliably distinguish AI-rendered from human performances.

Speakers

Tom Collins

Associate Professor, Frost School of Music, University of Miami

Tom Collins is Associate Professor of Music Engineering at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, and Principal Investigator of the Music Computing and Psychology Lab. His research bridges music perception, artificial intelligence, and creative technologies, with applications... Read More →

Anish Ghosh

Master's Student, Music Engineering, University of Miami

Anish Ghosh is a Master’s student in Music Engineering at the University of Miami and a research assistant with the Concerts with Humans and Artificial Intelligence (CHAI) project. With a background spanning music business, production, and engineering, his work examines how emerging... Read More →

Stacey Swanson

PhD Student, Music Education, University of Miami

Stacey Swanson is a PhD student in Music Education at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, researching the intersection of artificial intelligence, music business, and music education. She serves as Director of Operations for the Association for Popular Music Education... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 4:00pm - 4:25pm EDT
Volpe 103 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME