2026-2027 AKTS Workshop Season

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is a music educator, researcher, author, and international presenter whose

work has inspired educators around the world through keynote addresses, lectures, workshops,

and teacher training programs. She serves on the Board of Directors of the International Kodály

Society and is Co-Chair of the László Vikár Folk Music Research Forum.

A strong advocate for culturally relevant music education, Miriam has conducted extensive

fieldwork throughout the Philippines, resulting in numerous publications that support the

indigenization and localization of music education. Her international education, years of teaching

at international schools, and experience in culturally diverse California schools have deepened

her appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world’s cultures. Through her research,

publications, and teaching resources, she helps educators connect classroom learning with the

cultural heritage of their students.

Following her retirement from the California public school system, Miriam relocated to

Washington State to devote her time to research, publication, and teacher education.

has spent her career at the intersection of research, pedagogy, and real classrooms—helping children not just learn music, but truly experience it.

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Shelle’s passion for music education is rooted in both scholarship and practice. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Brigham Young University and a Master of Music in Music Teaching and Learning from Arizona State University, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Music at Arizona State University. Her academic work is deeply connected to her teaching philosophy: that early childhood music education should be developmentally appropriate, sequentially scaffolded, and—above all—engaging.

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As a lifelong advocate for high-quality music instruction, Shelle is Kodály-certified at Levels I, II, and III and serves on the Arizona Kodály Teachers Association board. She has presented her work and teaching approach at Kodály conferences, MTNA conferences, and NAfME conferences at the local, state, and regional levels, contributing to ongoing conversations about best practices in music education. 

began training as an operatic vocalist at age 16, sparking a lifelong mission to pass the joy of music on to her students. Over a ten-year career spanning elementary and middle school classrooms, she has seamlessly integrated vocal excellence, literacy, and performance. She currently teaches Middle School Choir, Piano, and Drama in Maricopa, inspiring young musicians to find their voices through active, high-quality music-making. 

Andrea holds a Kodály Level I certificate, has served as past president, and currently serves as secretary of the Arizona Kodály Teachers Society. Andrea has served on the Western Division as an active member and presented her composition at the Western Division Western Mini-Conference in the "Best of the West" reading session.