Erika J. Knapp is an Assistant Professor of Music Education teaching undergraduate courses in elementary music education and graduate courses in music for special learners. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Austin College, two master’s degrees from Central Michigan University (choral conducting and music education), and a Ph.D. in music mducation from Michigan State University. Prior to her career in higher education, she taught elementary general music, secondary general music, and middle school choir for 13 years in Michigan.

Dr. Knapp’s scholarly and research interests include music education for students with ability differences, teacher professional development, antiracist music education, equity in music education, and teachers as improvisational artists. Her work has been published in Music Education Research, The Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Arts Education Policy Review, Music Educators Journal, Action, Criticism and Theory, The International Journal of Music Education, and The Orff Echo.

Knapp also has several forthcoming book chapters in edited volumes and multiple publications in press. An active pedagogue, Dr. Knapp is an Orff Level 1 and 2 pedagogy teacher for the American Orff Schulwerk Association and teaches courses across the United States. She holds certifications in Orff Schulwerk and Music Learning Theory.

As a widely sought-after presenter and guest clinician, Dr. Knapp has shared her scholarship and passion for teaching at national and international venues, where she focuses on empowering educators to create active, joyful musical experiences for their students.