Revitalizing K–12 Popular Music: Lessons from Music Will’s Lab School

Over the past 25 years, Music Will has worked with educators around the country to incorporate popular music to their K-12 programs by donating instruments such as guitar, keyboards, drums, and more, as well as curriculum.  After observing and reflecting on the growth and direction of popular music programs, they instituted a Lab School initiative this year, donating specific gear, hands on instruction, and clinics with industry professionals. This discussion will be centered around what we have learned through this intensive program, and how classes with renewed focus on culture, songwriting, stage presence, and hip hop can show us.