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.

10:20am EDT

Preparing the Future-Ready Musician: Adaptability and Creative Growth in Undergraduate Popular Music Students

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT

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

This research explores how popular music education can prepare students to thrive in an unpredictable creative economy. By examining adaptability centered pedagogies such as rapid iteration, interdisciplinary collaboration, reflective practice, and AI supported creativity, the study proposes a framework for cultivating confident flexible and future ready musicians.

Speakers

Theo Metz

Assistant Professor, Samford University

Based in Birmingham, AL, Theo Metz is a multifaceted audio specialist, educator, and dynamic performer with over a decade of experience in music technology, live sound, and audio production. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Samford University, Theo teaches courses in... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME

11:50am EDT

Ukulele in the Classroom: A Survey of Elementary General Music Teachers in North Carolina and Virginia

Thursday June 4, 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 demographic characteristics of ukulele teachers in North Carolina and Virginia, to explore the perceived benefits and challenges of implementing ukulele in the classroom, and to identify the curricular resources teachers employ in instruction.

Speakers

Jacqueline Secoy

Associate Professor, Music Education, Longwood University

Dr. Jacqueline Secoy is Associate Professor of Music Education and Music Education Program Coordinator at Longwood University. Her research interests include ukulele instruction, participatory music-making, popular music education, musician identity development, aural music learning... Read More →

Raychl Smith

Associate Professor of Music Education, East Carolina University

Dr. Raychl Smith is Associate Professor of Music Education at East Carolina University. Dr. Smith has previously served as Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Minnesota State University Moorhead and Instructor of Music Education at Elon University. Prior... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 11:50am - 12:15pm EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), K-12

3:30pm EDT

Fusing Musical Cultures: Developing Intercultural Competencies

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT

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

Have you heard Bluegrass-Grunge, Ska-EDM, or Funk-Irish Jig? This research presentation explores undergraduate music education majors’ experiences, discoveries, and musical products that influenced their perspectives on learning approaches, non-institutionalized musics, culturally respectful and authentic performances, and intercultural competencies.

Speakers

Tamara Thies

Area Director of Music Education, California State University, Long Beach

Tamara T. Thies, PhD is Area Director of Music Education for the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music and Co-Coordinator of Music Education for the Single Subject Credential Program in the College of Education at California State University, Long Beach. Currently, she is the Music Education in Higher Education Rep... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 3:30pm - 3:55pm EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME

4:00pm EDT

A narrative investigation of one songwriter's journey to Nashville

Thursday June 4, 2026 4:00pm - 4:25pm EDT

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

This narrative inquiry explores how one songwriter experiences the multiple transitions involved in moving to Nashville, Tenneseee, enrolling in an undergraduate degree program in commercial music, and navigating Nashville's professional songwriting scene. This study focuses on the participant's storied understanding of navigating these multiple transitions.

Speakers

Stuart Chapman Hill

Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education, Michigan State University

Stuart Chapman Hill, Ph.D., is a conductor, composer, teacher, and scholar who serves as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Michigan State University, where he teaches courses in music education and conducts Singing Spartans, the tenor-bass glee club Previously, he served... Read More →

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

📚Research (25), HPME

4:30pm EDT

Beyond the Stand: Lessons From a Podcast Exploring the “Both/And” of Popular Music Education

Thursday June 4, 2026 4:30pm - 4:55pm EDT

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

Beyond the Stand analyzes themes emerging from educator and student interviews on popular music education. This session presents findings revealing a strong “both/and” philosophy (where PME enhances, rather than replaces, traditional programs) and highlights the roles of student voice, belonging, and teacher agency in expanding meaningful music-making opportunities.

Speakers

Jeremy Bryant

Commercial Music Instructor, Battle Ground Academy

Jeremy Bryant is a commercial music educator at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where he teaches guitar, music production, and popular music ensemble courses. He holds a Master of Music Education from Belmont University, where his capstone project explored teacher agency... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 4:30pm - 4:55pm EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), K-12

4:30pm EDT

Rockin' the Public Domain: What I Learned about U.S. Popular Music after Launching a Sheet Music Company for Teachers

Thursday June 4, 2026 4:30pm - 4:55pm EDT

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

For nearly a decade, I have created charts for the students in my bands. Since the charts proved successful in the classroom, I recently launched a publishing company. This journey into popular music publishing revealed surprising insights about copyright law, U.S. music history, and how to better support popular music educators.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 4:30pm - 4:55pm EDT
Volpe 207 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Performance

Audience K-12

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

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

9:00am EDT

Teaching for Vulnerability in Popular Music Performance

Saturday June 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:25am EDT

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

Vulnerability is often viewed as a liability in school music performances, but it can also be a powerful asset for musicians to forge feelings of connection amongst audience members. This presentation explores how teachers could approach discussing vulnerability in a popular music classroom for the benefit of students.

Speakers

M. W. Degan

Doctoral Candidate, Boston University

M. W. Degan is a public-school music teacher in Massachusetts, U.S.A., and a doctoral candidate in Music Education at Boston University, where he also earned Masters in Music Education and Ethnomusicology. His research interests include investigating how individuals conceptualize... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:25am EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Culture and Belonging

10:00am EDT

What Makes Songs Sound “Substantially Similar”? A Music-Generative AI Approach

Saturday June 6, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am EDT

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

This study examines perceived musical similarity using Suno AI to generate controlled cover versions with systematic changes to pitch, rhythm, harmony, lyrics, and genre. Unlike prior work relying on simplified stimuli, this approach preserves full production fidelity while revealing that lyrics and genre transformation influence listener judgments.

Speakers

Joseph J. Avery

Assistant Professor, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami

Joseph J. Avery is an Assistant Professor at the Miami Herbert Business School, with additional appointments in the University of Miami’s Department of Psychology and Institute for Data Science and Computing, and he is an Affiliated Fellow at Yale Law School’s Information Society... Read More →

Tom Collins

Associate Professor, Frost School of Music, University of Miami

Sam Courtney

Graduate Student, Frost School of Music, University of Miami

Sam Courtney is a graduate student in Music Engineering Technology at the University of Miami, working under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Bennett and Dr. Tom Collins. His research interests span digital signal processing, machine learning, and acoustics. He is a member of the... Read More →

Mike Schuster

Associate Professor, Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

Mike Schuster is an Associate Professor of Legal Studies at the Terry College of Business, University of Georgia. His research empirically analyzes behavior within the intellectual property system, with a growing focus on digital and AI-driven environments. His work has appeared in... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Songwriting/Production

10:30am EDT

Amplifying Access: Rock Ensemble as a Catalyst for Inclusive Popular Music Education

Saturday June 6, 2026 10:30am - 10:55am EDT

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

This research surrounds the concept of cultural capital and how the structures of music programs in higher education are built upon antiquated class distinctions. The session analyzes how the creation of a rock ensemble within a predominantly classical music department can serve as a transformative pedagogical intervention.

Speakers

Jesse Tyler Moore

Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Admissions Coordinator, Rock Ensemble Director, Instructor of Guitar and Bass Guitar, The Pennsylvania State University

Jesse Tyler Moore is an accomplished musician, administrator, and educator specializing in guitar and bass guitar instruction. With a deep passion for popular music genres such as rock, blues, funk, and metal, Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his teaching. His... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 10:30am - 10:55am EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME

10:30am EDT

Navigating The Fog: A Feminist Ethical Framework for AI

Saturday June 6, 2026 10:30am - 10:55am EDT

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

This research argues that AI itself cannot be good or evil because it has no subjectivity or freedom. Drawing on feminist ethics and Simone de Beauvoir’s existentialism, it examines responsibility, ambiguity, anthropomorphism, and systemic harm, and considers implications for music educators navigating AI in teaching and learning contexts.

Speakers

Nick Filotei

Assistant Lecturer, University of Southern California

Nick Filotei is a dedicated educator and researcher passionate about inclusive learning and social justice in music education. He brings a diverse background in music technology, performance, and teaching to his role as an assistant lecturer at the University of Southern California... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 10:30am - 10:55am EDT
Volpe 103 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25)

11:00am EDT

Relationships between Perceived Popularity, Desirability, Social Media Use, and Musical Role Choice with Adolescents Not Enrolled in Music Programs

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

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

This presentation is on a research study using Social Role Theory which shows how perceived popularity and social media use influences musical role choices with early adolescent students not enrolled in music programs.

Speakers

Dr. Christopher Burns

Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist, School District of Osceola County

Dr. Christopher Burns is a music educator and arts-education leader whose work bridges creativity, technology, and access. As the Fine & Performing Arts Resource Specialist for the School District of Osceola County (FL), he supports K–12 music, theatre, visual art, and dance programs... Read More →

Patrick Cooper

Assistant Professor of Music Education, Florida International University

Dr. Patrick K. Cooper serves an assistant professor of music education at Florida International University. He teaches courses in research, curriculum development, philosophy, and creativity. He holds degrees in music education from Arizona State University (B.M., M.M.) and University... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Volpe 203 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), K-12

11:00am EDT

Repertoire/Genre Selection in Modern Band Classrooms

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

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

There remains a gap between the music students enjoy outside the classroom and the music in school music programs. Modern band might be a way to bridge this gap; however, what music and genres are teachers using, and how are they selected? In this session, we share our findings.
There remains a gap between the music students enjoy outside the classroom and the music in school music programs. Modern band might be a way to bridge this gap; however, what music and genres are teachers using, and how are they selected? In this session, we share our findings.

Speakers

David Dockan

Assistant Professor of Music Education, Louisiana State University

Rachael Sanguinetti

Associate Faculty/Program Director, Masters of Music Education, Immaculata University

Rachael earned her bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music in 2015 where she majored in Music Education with a Vocal Emphasis and Musical Arts with a thesis focused in arts journalism. She also minored in Social Psychology and completed an Arts Leadership Certificate. Rachael... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Volpe 103 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Culture and Belonging

11:00am EDT

Self-Produced Songs: Technology, Agency, and the Shifting Pulse of Popular Music

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

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

How does self-production reshape the pulse of popular music? Drawing from experiences as both artist and educator, this session explores how technology empowers autonomy, blurs traditional roles, and transforms the creative and pedagogical landscape of popular music and songwriting today.How does self-production reshape the pulse of popular music? Drawing from experiences as both artist and educator, this session explores how technology empowers autonomy, blurs traditional roles, and transforms the creative and pedagogical landscape of popular music and songwriting today.

Speakers

Kat Reinhert

Professor/CEO, Berklee College of Music/Songwriting for Music Educators

Kat Reinhert is a genre-defying songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader. She has released five independently produced albums and collaborated with artists like Anat Fort, Jo Lawry, Ross Pederson, Michael Leonhart, Josh Logan, Stephen Lit, and David Cook. Her songwriting... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Volpe 207 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25)

11:00am EDT

Strengthening Improvisation Practices in the Orchestra Classroom

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

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

This action research study explored middle school students' perspectives on an improvisation unit in their orchestra class. It sought to identify strategies that enhance learning and foster community through improvisation. The results revealed students' gains and challenges, providing valuable insights for educators to improve instruction and strengthen social dynamics.

Speakers

Jose Santana

Graduate Student (PhD Music Education) / 5-12 Orchestra Teacher, University of Iowa

Jose Santana is a PhD candidate at the University of Iowa, focusing his research on improvisation and composition in the instrumental orchestra classroom. He has taught orchestra in public schools across the United States. He also worked as an orchestra director with the El Sistema... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Volpe 106 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), K-12

11:00am EDT

The Marginalized Voice of East Asian Immigrant Musicians

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT

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

This presentation examines the music learning and making experiences of three East Asian immigrant musicians in relation to their intersectional identities of race, ethnicity, gender, and language. This session may benefit music teachers and music teacher educators who wish to better support Asian music students and embrace social justice. This presentation examines the music learning and making experiences of three East Asian immigrant musicians in relation to their intersectional identities of race, ethnicity, gender, and language. This session may benefit music teachers and music teacher educators who wish to better support Asian music students and embrace social justice.

Speakers

Jonathan Sang-Joon Lee

Graduate Student (DMA), Boston University

Jonathan Sang-Joon Lee is a K-12 music educator in Vancouver, Canada and a doctoral candidate in music education at Boston University. His research interests encompass cultural diversity, popular music education, and music education within special education contexts. He has delivered... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:00am - 11:25am EDT
Volpe 102 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), Culture and Belonging

11:30am EDT

Informally Educated vs. Formally Educated Musicians in Music Institutions: A Sense of Belonging

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:30am - 11:55am EDT

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

Students’ music education backgrounds shape belonging in higher education. Survey results show informal/non-formal learners feel more belonging than formally trained peers. Comfort with Western theory wasn’t a strong predictor, though a negative trend emerged. Findings suggest Western theory requirements may undermine inclusion, highlighting the need for curricula that value diverse musical literacies.

Speakers

Rhian Bristol

Student, University of Southern California

Rhian Bristol is a dynamic musician, educator, and multi-instrumentalist. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Music Teaching and Learning at USC after completed her masters in Popular Music Teaching and Learning at the USC and earning her BFA in VoiceArts Performance, with... Read More →

Saturday June 6, 2026 11:30am - 11:55am EDT
Volpe 203 Volpe Building, San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL, USA

📚Research (25), HPME