Name: Changing the Score: An Exploration of Music Educators’ Transitions from Classical Training to Popular Music Teaching
Start: 2025-06-07T09:00:00-0500
End: 2025-06-07T09:30:00-0500

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.

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CDT

Classroom 105 - Legacy Building

This study explored the transition of traditionally trained music educators from classical to popular music education, focusing on the factors that influence this shift, the challenges faced, and the perceived benefits for student engagement and learning. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with educators experienced in both traditional and popular music instruction, seven major themes were identified, including increased student engagement, a shift to student-centered learning, challenges in curriculum development, and misconceptions about popular music education. Findings reveal that personal passion, professional goals, and contextual support from administrators play significant roles in motivating educators to adopt popular music. However, the transition also involves navigating resistance from colleagues and adapting to a less structured, flexible teaching approach. Despite these challenges, educators reported that popular music education broadened access and enhanced relevance, especially for students who may not connect with traditional ensembles.

Speakers

Kevin Droe

Associate Professor of Music Education, University of Northern Iowa

Kevin Droe, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Northern Iowa. He founded the UNI Spectrum Project, AmpCamp, and Spectrum JamFest, programs promoting accessible and popular music education. His research focuses on special populations and innovative... Read More →

Saturday June 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CDT
Classroom 105 - Legacy Building 3775 Central Avenue 129 Music Building Memphis, TN, 38111

APME Memphis 2025

Kevin Droe

Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!