Martina Vasil

Martina Vasil is an Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Kentucky (UK) School of Music. She leads summer programs in Modern Band, Orff Schulwerk, and Dalcroze, and teaches courses in elementary music methods, modern band, Orff, and qualitative research. In 2023, she received the UK Alumni Association Great Teacher Award. Dr. Vasil has 14 years of experience teaching preK–8 general music in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. She holds a BM and PhD in music education from West Virginia University and MA in music education from Eastman School of Music.

Dr. Vasil is committed to access to and equity in music education and was a Fulbright Specialist working in Monrovia, Liberia to train teachers and work with children at the only music school in the country. Her work with popular music education has increased access to music making through the KMEA All-State Modern Band ensembles and graduated students starting modern band programs in their schools. Her research focuses on popular music education, Orff Schulwerk, and music teacher education. She is the editor of Popular Music in Elementary Music Education (Oxford University Press, 2025) and has published in several leading journals. She is the first higher education representative on Music Will’s board of directors.

Dr. Vasil is a Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and Bob’s Burgers fan, and an avid gym rat and yogi. Her favorite band is the Beatles and she has an affinity for disco but loves all kinds of music. Follow her on Instagram: @musicwithdrv