Edward L. Varner

Edward L. Varner, Ed.D., is an educator, arts leader, author, and advocate for music and arts education with more than three decades of experience in PK–12 education settings. His work centers on the intersections of music education, social-emotional learning (SEL), equity-centered leadership, and community-engaged arts programming. Dr. Varner currently serves as a teacher at Milton Hershey School and as Artistic Director of Windmill Art Studios & Maker Space.

Throughout his career, Dr. Varner has led comprehensive music and arts programs in both public and independent schools, supervised faculty and staff, managed large-scale arts initiatives, and presented nationally and internationally on topics including creativity, SEL, trauma-informed practice, literacy, and inclusive music education. He is the author of Breaking Through: Disrupting Barriers to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access within a Social Emotional Learning Approach to Music Education and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in journals including General Music Today and the Journal of General Music Education. His scholarship explores how arts education can cultivate belonging, resilience, creativity, and student voice in contemporary learning environments.

A passionate advocate for music educators and students, Dr. Varner continues to champion meaningful, student-centered arts experiences that prepare young people for an increasingly complex world.