Welcome to the APME Memphis 2025 conference. Here, you’ll be able to register for the conference and update your Sched profile. The conference schedule will be available in late spring 2025. At that time, you can view the schedule and select the presentations you’d like to attend. If you have any questions, please visit our conference website or contact us at conference@popularmusiceducation.org We look forward to coming together as a community June 4–7, 2025.
Vasil (2015) notes that access to conducive physical spaces is a vital consideration for teachers choosing to employ methods associated with PME. In her discussion of ‘utopian’ music education Wright (2019) highlights that the ideal music building for teachers employing PME methods may include access to quality equipment, additional break-out spaces, and soundproofing. However, not all schools are able to provide ideal music spaces, and teachers must negotiate their pedagogical aims within the physical limitations of their environment. This research explores the ways in which physical space informs the teaching practices of seven educators employing PME methods in Victoria, Australia. These educators took part in semi-structured interviews, and were asked to engage with arts based methods during an activity in which they drew their “ideal” music building. These interview transcripts and artworks are analyzed to explore the ways in which the pedagogical aims of educators are aided and/or mediated by the spaces in which they work. Additionally Schmidt’s (2020) concept of policy knowhow is utilized to explore the ways in which these educators have facilitated changes and alterations to physical spaces to aid in their implementation of PME methods. PME is linked to higher levels of engagement (Wilson, 2018) retention ( Jeanneret, 2010) and student cohorts more inclusive of marginalized populations (Byo, 2018; Claus, Beard & Chadwick, 2017). Consequently, exploring ways in which physical spaces may aid or inhibit the implementation of these practices is increasingly necessary as PME advocacy continues to influence the practices of music educators.
Does theory knowledge still play a vital role in the life and practice of a professional musician? Did it ever, really? In a world where the majority of Pop/Jazz/Commercial musicians are sent reference recordings and YouTube links to prepare for a show, is it necessary to have studied notation, technique, history, traditional nomenclature, etc.? This dilemma is dealt with on a daily basis by thousands of musicians across the country. Does theory help? Can it make a difference? Can you be a professional player and not know anything about music theory? As broad a topic as this is, this 20-minute session will confront this issue to the fullest extent possible. There will be a brief presentation, followed by a discussion, time allowing.
Musicians who master the art of being a side musician—those who back prominent artists in high-stakes settings—gain access to unique professional opportunities. At Record High at Prudential Center, we developed an innovative approach to prepare young musicians for such roles. This presentation will spotlight a case study featuring a quartet of high school string players who performed with a well-known country artist on The Today Show. Through targeted workshops, rehearsals, and professional mentorship, we equipped these students with the skills required to thrive in a live performance scenario on national television. Participants will gain insight into how we focused on ensemble cohesion, adaptability, communication with headlining artists, and the professionalism required for fast-paced production environments. A 2-3 minute video will provide a behind-the-scenes look at this journey, showcasing the students' preparation and the on-stage results. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to develop similar programs, engage industry professionals, and create meaningful performance opportunities for their students. Whether you're an educator or program director, this session will inspire you to empower the next generation of versatile, career-ready musicians.
VP, Artist Relations and Programming, Record High at Prudential Center
Mark D. Conklin is a GRAMMY®-nominated and Billboard-charting musician, interviewer, and educator. As VP of Artist Relations & Programming at Prudential Center, he leads the innovative music and career education initiative, Record High.His debut Gospel album, The Gospel According... Read More →
Thursday June 5, 2025 2:20pm - 2:30pm CDT Classroom 105 - Legacy Building3775 Central Avenue 129 Music Building Memphis, TN, 38111
