Teaching American Music in the K-12 Classroom Workshop

Asian America in 22 Songs

The musical contributions of Asian American artists reflect rich stories of migration, labor, resistance, and cultural exchange that help us better understand both historical and contemporary struggles for justice, belonging, and representation. From folk protest songs to hip-hop anthems, Asian American music has long served as a tool for storytelling and historical reflection, challenging dominant narratives and expanding our understanding of who makes music, who makes history, and how both are remembered.

Join the American Musicological Society and The Music of Asian America Research Center for a special workshop for 6th to 12th grade teachers based on the resource “Asian America in 22 Songs.” The workshop will be led by Dr. Elaine Andres and held in conjunction with the AMS’s Teaching Music History Conference in New York City. Participants will explore a curated collection highlighting key moments in Asian American history through music, offering educators a tool to teach social history through sound. The workshop will emphasize how music can convey historical ideas, helping teachers integrate Asian American music into their curriculum to deepen students’ understanding of race, identity, and social movements.

Full details about the conference can be found on the AMS website.

Educators may apply for a K–12 Educator Grant in American Music for travel support to attend this workshop and other events at the Teaching Music History Conference. More details are available on the AMS website. The deadline to apply is 1 March 2025.