Music Education is Stuck in the Past—Here’s How We Fix It

Traditional school music programs have long catered to a select few, leaving most students without opportunities for meaningful music-making. In this talk, Kevin Droe challenges these outdated structures and offers a bold vision for the future of music education. By incorporating modern band, hip-hop, and music technology, we can eliminate financial, cultural, and systemic barriers—ensuring that all students, not just a privileged few, have the chance to create and connect through music. Kevin will share real-world success stories and practical strategies for making music education more accessible, relevant, and engaging for today’s students.

BIOGRAPHY

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 teaching. Kevin also leads workshops in modern band and music education across Iowa. In his spare time, he’s the drummer for Corn Riot, UNI’s faculty punk metal band.