Students at the Center

Despite our best intentions, most students in our schools do not participate in traditional music programs. Too often, what we offer does not reflect who they are, what they love, or how they engage with music outside the classroom.

In this keynote, we will challenge long-standing paradigms of music instruction and invite educators to reimagine classrooms where student voices, cultures, and creativity are welcomed and drive the learning experience. Through stories, research, and real-world examples, we will explore what it means to shift our role from the “sage on the stage” to the “guide on the side,” creating space for students to take ownership of their musical journeys.

The goal is not to abandon our traditions but to expand them—to build programs that are more inclusive, relevant, and empowering. We will consider how integrating popular music, music technology, and culturally responsive ensembles can unlock deeper engagement, innovation, and equity in music education.
Let us rethink what is possible when we truly place students at the center; everyone wins.