Erika J. Knapp is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of North Texas where she teaches undergraduate courses in elementary music, 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 Education 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, Orff Echo. Knapp has contributed two forthcoming book chapters in edited volumes, and several other publications in press.

An active pedagogue, Dr. Knapp is an Orff Level 1 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. An active presenter and guest clinician, Dr. Knapp has shared her scholarship and passion for teaching at both national and international venues, where she focuses on empowering educators to create active, joyful musical experiences for their students.