More Than Just Music: Students Reflect on Popular Music Education

What does Popular Music Education actually feel like for the students living it every day?

In this episode, I’m joined by two of my students: Brody Watson, a guitarist and drummer who’s been with the program all four years, and Audrey Priddy, a pianist and artist who joined more recently with a strong background in visual art and theater.

Together, we talk about:
Why PME felt different from other classes and why it clicked
How creativity, collaboration, and freedom have shaped their growth
What makes a class “rigorous” from a student’s perspective
How music became a space of belonging, identity, and discovery

If you’ve ever wondered what students really think about this model of music education, Brody and Audrey bring honest, thoughtful insight into how popular music can change a classroom...and maybe a life.