Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME) program was proudly represented at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Conference, where faculty shared insights on popular music pedagogy, group creativity, and innovative teaching methods for the modern music classroom.
Dr. Jay Dorfman, Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Kent State, alongside students Jenna Birt, Jared Eichler, Melaina Uhrig, and Josh Weikert, presented research and strategies to bridge traditional and contemporary music education approaches. Their sessions focused on integrating popular music, fostering student creativity, and enhancing music instruction through technology and student-led learning.
Faculty Presentations at OMEA 2025
“Help Them Rock": Teaching Guitar & Modern Band Techniques
Dr. Jay Dorfman’s session explored effective techniques for teaching guitar and modern band instruments in music education. Traditional guitar method books often fall short of engaging students—focusing on outdated repertoire, standard notation, and disconnected chord exercises. Dr. Dorfman provided practical strategies to make guitar instruction more relevant, accessible, and exciting for today’s students.
Key Takeaways:
- Incorporating power chords, palm muting, fingerpicking, and articulation techniques
- Teaching popular music styles that students connect with
- Using modern band pedagogy to foster creativity and improvisation
Dr. Dorfman emphasized that by meeting students where they are musically, educators can boost engagement, improve musicianship, and create lifelong learners in music.
“Group Creativity & Popular Music": Reimagining Music Education
In another standout presentation, Jenna Birt, Jared Eichler, Melaina Uhrig, Josh Weikert, and Dr. Jay Dorfman introduced progressive and vernacular music methods designed to expand the traditional boundaries of music education. Their research highlights how integrating popular music ensembles, songwriting, and student-led learning can foster creativity and create supportive, engaging environments in K–12 classrooms.
What This Means for Music Educators:
- Experience in non-traditional music-making (rock bands, technology-based ensembles, folk instruments)
- Student-led models that empower learners to take ownership of their music education
- Exploration of social justice issues in music teaching
- Entrepreneurial skills for educators who want to integrate contemporary music into their programs
The session concluded with a discussion on how music educators can balance traditional concert-based ensembles with modern, student-driven ensembles to create a well-rounded music program.
Why OMEA Matters for Kent State’s Online MMME Program
Kent State’s presence at OMEA underscores the university’s commitment to advancing music education through innovation, research, and community engagement. The 100% online Master of Music in Music Education program is designed for working educators who want to refine their teaching methods, explore new musical approaches, and gain practical skills to apply in their classrooms.
Program Highlights:
- Flexible, online format designed for busy educators
- Focus on contemporary music education and emerging pedagogies
- Expert faculty with real-world experience in modern and traditional music instruction
By attending OMEA, Kent State faculty are sharing knowledge with fellow educators and continuing to shape the future of music education through innovative teaching practices.
Take the Next Step in Your Music Education Career
If you’re ready to transform your teaching and inspire your students with innovative, research-based practices, Kent State’s Master of Music in Music Education can help you achieve your goals.
By earning your master’s degree, you’ll enhance your teaching skills and contribute to the growth and success of your students and school music programs.
Interested in expanding your music education expertise? Learn more about the Master of Music in Music Education program and begin today!
