Why Popular Music Belongs: Student Voice, Identity, and Access

Why does popular music belong in the classroom?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Holley (President of APME) and Dr. Chris Burns, two nationally respected voices in music education. Together, we explore the deeper reasons behind integrating popular music into school programs.

We discuss:
How PME creates access and equity for students often left out of traditional ensembles
The role of identity, self-expression, and musical relevance
Why student voice must be central to our teaching
How reframing rigor can open doors—not lower expectations

This episode is about more than music—it’s about who we teach, how we reach them, and why expanding our definition of music education matters now more than ever.