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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10:50am EDT

Revitalizing K–12 Popular Music: Lessons from Music Will’s Lab School

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

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

Over the past 25 years, Music Will has worked with educators around the country to incorporate popular music to their K-12 programs by donating instruments such as guitar, keyboards, drums, and more, as well as curriculum. After observing and reflecting on the growth and direction of popular music programs, they instituted a Lab School initiative this year, donating specific gear, hands on instruction, and clinics with industry professionals. This discussion will be centered around what we have learned through this intensive program, and how classes with renewed focus on culture, songwriting, stage presence, and hip hop can show us.

Speakers

Dr. Scott Burstein

Director of Strategic Initiatives, Music Will

Scott is Director of Strategic Initiatives as Music Will.

Mary Claxton

Director of Teaching and Learning, Music Will

Mary is Director of Teaching and Learning at Music Will. She is also a drummer, singer, and songwriter, mom of 3, and gluten free.

Friday June 5, 2026 10:50am - 11:15am EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

🔦Demonstration (25), K-12

11:20am EDT

Popping with Intention: Understanding the Role of Popular Music Within Your Institution

Friday June 5, 2026 11:20am - 11:45am EDT

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

Popping with Intention explores how planning strengthens popular music education across learning contexts. The session challenges formulaic approaches and emphasizes clarity of purpose, audience, and educator role to support authentic, student-centered courses that reflect institutional goals and the communities they serve.

Speakers

Shane Colquhoun, PhD.

Assistant Professor of Music Technology and Buisness, Alabama State University

Dr. Shane Colquhoun is an Assistant Professor of Music Technology and Contemporary Musical Styles at Alabama State University and a nationally recognized voice in innovative music education. A two-time GRAMMY Music Educator Award quarterfinalist, he centers his work on expanding access... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 11:20am - 11:45am EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

🔦Demonstration (25), K-12

11:20am EDT

Using Breezin Thru Theory/Composing in your music classroom

Friday June 5, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm EDT

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

This session explores the many features of Breezin Thru theory. Its comprehensive platform is user friendly for elementary thru higher ed! This program can also assist in your ensembles! Attendees will get an overview of the program and learn how to give assignments and projects !

Speakers

Jackie Martino

Director of Performing arts, Calhoun School

Dr. Jackie Martino is an educator, composer, and musician. She has an extensive career in music education as both a teacher and administrator. . She is currently the Director of Performing Arts at The Calhoun School in New York City. For the last two decades, she built a music and... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

🔦Demonstration (25), K-12

3:30pm EDT

Finding Performance Shangri-La: Developing Methodologies in performance practices for the developing artist

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

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

This workshop explores performance psychology and self-determination in popular music education. Drawing from twelve years of teaching "Performance Shangri-La," it offers practical strategies for developing artistic identity, managing perfectionism, and fostering authentic performance. Attendees will engage in discussion and gain tools to better support emerging artists in evolving industry contexts.

Speakers

Courtney Kaiser-Sandler

Associate Director of Contemporary Music and Collaborative Projects, Director of Singer-Songwriter, Interlochen Center for the Arts

2026 and 2027 Grammy in Music Education quarterfinalist and Associate Director of Contemporary Music at Interlochen Center of the Arts Courtney Kaiser-Sandler is a professional songwriter, vocalist, and musician as well as the founder of the singer-songwriter program at Interlochen... Read More →

Friday June 5, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT
Volpe 207 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

🔦Demonstration (25), K-12