About Stacey

Stacey brings and 24 years of experience in music education, music products and services, nonprofit and association leadership . Stacey has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Bassoon Performance from The University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Music Education from The University of Miami. She served as a music educator, private lesson instructor, clinician, choreographer, and professional musician.

 

Since 2007, Stacey has been an active contributor in many aspects of the music retail industry. During her tenure at Music & Arts, she’s held roles such as Store Manager, Lesson Growth Coordinator, Business Process Management Coordinator, Affiliate Operations Manager, and Lesson Manager for the company. Stacey played a key role in the culture of the lesson program as we know it today. During her time with Music & Arts, she received distinctions including Top Salesperson, Top Store Sales, Outstanding Department Award, Peak Performer, and Employee of the Year. Stacey’s recent contribution takes a shift towards music advocacy. An active and vocal advocate for music education, Stacey participates in the NAMM Foundation and has been to Capitol Hill to advocate for every child’s right to music education during the school day. She is also a winner of the prestigious Women of NAMM Award, an honor that recognizes emerging female leaders. Her current endeavors align with her personal and professional mission to bring music to as many as possible, creating the next generation of musicians. Currently, she is in the third year of PhD study in Music Education at the University of Miami, serves on the Board of Directors for Give a Note Foundation, and is the Director of Operations for the Association for Popular Music Education (APME).

 

 

Strengths Finder Leadership

Strategic | Activator | Woo | Communication | Connectedness

 

 

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EDUCATION

University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Coral Gables, FL Expected May 2028

Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education

GPA: 3.9 | Full Scholarship Recipient | Graduate Assistantship

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University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, May 2006

Master of Music in Music Education

GPA: 4.0 | President’s Award Recipient

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University of Georgia, Athens, GA June 2002

Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Music Performance

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Certifications

Teaching with AI: Seizing Opportunities and Navigating Challenges, University of Miami (2024)

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RESEARCH INTERESTS

Generative AI policy, pedagogy, and faculty sensemaking in higher music education

Music education and music products industry interdependence

Popular music pedagogy in undergraduate curriculum

Higher education policy and institutional change in fine arts schools

Autoethnographic and qualitative methods in music education research

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TEACHING EXPERIENCE

University of Miami, Frost School of Music, Coral Gables, FL

Instructor of Record

• MED 240/740 Woodwind Techniques, undergraduate and graduate, 11 students (Fall 2024 to Present)

• MIP 181/781 Conducting I, undergraduate and graduate, 8 students (Fall 2025)

• MIP 182 Instrumental Conducting II, undergraduate, 4 students (Spring 2026)

Teaching Assistant

• New Horizons Band (30 members)

• MED 544 Teaching Modern Music, undergraduate and graduate, 8 students (Fall 2026 to present)

• MED 543/643 Instrumental Methods, undergraduate and graduate, 8 students (Spring 2026 to present)

Research Assistant

• Dr. Stephen Zdzinski

• Dr. Corin Overland

• Dr. Robin Heinsen

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Shiloh Middle School, Snellville, GA August 2002 to July 2005

Middle School Music Educator

Directed band program serving approximately 400 students. Designed and implemented diverse pedagogical approaches, including group learning, technology-integrated instruction, differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and game-based learning. Produced four public concerts annually serving community audiences of approximately 1,000.

• Increased enrollment 10% through targeted recruitment initiatives

• Earned two Superior and two Excellent ratings at Georgia Music Educators Association District 9 Concert Band Evaluations

• Appointed as adjudicator for four honor band auditions, evaluating over 250 student musicians

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Private Lessons Instructor (Bassoon and Oboe) March 1998 to November 2009

Operated an independent studio of 12 students. Designed individualized curricula and personalized assessment methods. Selected as a double reed instructor for three regional music camps, teaching 25 students annually.

• Maintained 100% student retention rate

• Prepared students for placements in all-state ensembles, eight district honor bands, and six college music programs

• Achieved 100% success rate for students earning principal chairs in school ensembles

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PUBLICATIONS

Scholarly Journal Articles

Swanson, S. (under review). How do artificial intelligence policies and their implementation compare across different types of higher education institutions? 

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Practitioner Journal Articles

Swanson, S. (2025, May). The statistical detective: Solving the case. Measurement tools and statistical analysis. Florida Music Director, 78(8), 28-29.

Swanson, S. (2025, April). The statistical detective: Framing the investigation. Research variables and questions. Florida Music Director, 78(7), 29-31.

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Edited Volumes

Swanson, S. (Ed.). (2024). InTune magazine buyers guide 2024 [E-book]. In Tune Partners.

Swanson, S. (Ed.). (2023). InTune magazine buyers guide 2023 [E-book]. In Tune Partners.

Swanson, S. (Ed.). (2022). InTune magazine buyers guide 2022 [E-book]. In Tune Partners.

Swanson, S. (Ed.). (2021). InTune magazine buyers guide 2021 [E-book]. In Tune Partners.

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Public Scholarship and Educational Journalism

Swanson, S. (2024, May). The musical instruments of country music. Music Alive!, 43(8), 10-11.

Swanson, S. (2024, May). Conan Gray: The evolution of a pop sensation. Music Alive!, 43(8), 13-17.

Swanson, S. (2024, April). The musical instruments of bluegrass. Music Alive!, 43(7), 10-11.

Swanson, S. (2024, March). The life and times of James Arthur. Music Alive!, 43(6), 13-17.

Swanson, S. (2024, February). The musical instruments of jazz. Music Alive!, 43(5), 10-11.

Swanson, S. (2024, January). The musical instruments of Cuba. Music Alive!, 43(4), 10-11.

Swanson, S. (2023, December). The musical instruments of Ireland. Music Alive!, 43(3), 10-11.

Swanson, S. (2023, November). The musical instruments of Hawai'i. Music Alive!, 43(2), 10-11.

Swanson, S. (2023, October). The musical instruments of Mexico. Music Alive!, 43(1), 10-11.

Swanson, S. (2023, May). Rocking your summer. Music Alive!, 42(8), 10-13.

Swanson, S. (2023, April). The rise and rise of Arlo Parks. Music Alive!, 42(7), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2023, March). Carrie Underwood's royal reign. Music Alive!, 42(6), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2023, February). Sister act: Larkin Poe. Music Alive!, 42(5), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2023, January). Paramore rediscovers their why. Music Alive!, 42(4), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2023, January). Cool concert halls: The Walt Disney Music Hall. Music Alive!, 42(4), 22.

Swanson, S. (2022, December). Tems takes the world by storm. Music Alive!, 42(3), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2022, December). Cool concert halls: Sydney Opera House. Music Alive!, 42(3), 22.

Swanson, S. (2022, November). Lainey Wilson hits the heights. Music Alive!, 42(2), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2022, October). The healing power of music. Music Alive!, 42(1), 6-9.

Swanson, S. (2022, May). The charmed life and times of Benson Boone. Music Alive!, 41(8), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2022, April). Maren Morris breaks out from The Middle. Music Alive!, 41(7), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2022, March). The music of South Africa. Music Alive!, 41(7), 6-9.

Swanson, S. (2022, February). Jon Batiste has soul. Music Alive!, 41(6), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2022, February). Good vibrations! Music Alive!, 41(6), 10-13.

Swanson, S. (2022, January). The future of jazz. Music Alive!, 41(5), 6-9.

Swanson, S. (2021, December). The ancient gagaku of Japan. Music Alive!, 41(4), 10-13.

Swanson, S. (2021, November). It's a capella! Music Alive!, 41(3), 10-13.

Swanson, S. (2021, October). Music of the Maya. Music Alive!, 41(2), 10-13.

Swanson, S. (2021, October). Duncan Laurence wins big. Music Alive!, 41(2), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2021, September). Glass Animals break through. Music Alive!, 41(1), 14-18.

Swanson, S. (2020, October). What are the birds singing about? Music Alive!, 40(2), 10-13.

Swanson, S. (2020, Quarter 4). The leading ladies of publishing A&R. ASCAP Digital Magazine: ASCAP Experience, 20-23.

Swanson, S. (2020, Quarter 3). Hans Zimmer: Film scoring's Lion King. ASCAP Digital Magazine: ASCAP Experience, 2-5.

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CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Presentations and Posters

Swanson, S. (2026, November). Resonant ecologies: A framework for analyzing music education and industry interdependence [Presentation]. NAfME Biennial Music Education Conference, Long Beach, CA.

Swanson, S. (2026, July). Resonant ecologies: A framework for analyzing music education and industry interdependence [Presentation]. International Society for Music Education, Montreal, Canada.

Swanson, S., Ghosh, A., & Collins, T. (2026, June). Who played that? College music education students' accuracy in detecting AI-generated piano performance [Presentation]. Association for Popular Music Education Conference, Miami, FL.

Swanson, S., Ghosh, A., & Collins, T. (2026, March). Who played that? College music education students' accuracy in detecting AI-generated piano performance [Presentation]. University of Miami Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Research Symposium, Miami, FL.

Swanson, S. (2026, March). Resonant ecologies: A framework for analyzing music education and industry interdependence [Presentation]. Frost Research Showcase, Miami, FL.

Swanson, S., Mattio, C., & Cox, S. (2026, February). Incorporating popular music in the classroom [Presentation]. Texas Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference, San Antonio, TX.

Swanson, S. (2026, January). How do artificial intelligence policies and their implementation compare across different types of higher education institutions? [Poster]. Florida Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference.

Swanson, S. (2025, June). Emerging trends in AI and music education [Presentation]. International Music Education Summit, Virtual.

Swanson, S. (2025, April). How do artificial intelligence policies and their implementation compare across different types of higher education institutions? [Poster]. Conference of Florida Graduate Schools, Florida Atlantic University.

Swanson, S. (2025, March). How do artificial intelligence policies and their implementation compare across different types of higher education institutions? [Poster]. University of Miami Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Research Symposium, Miami, FL.

Swanson, S. (2025, March). How do artificial intelligence policies and their implementation compare across different types of higher education institutions? [Poster]. Frost Research Showcase, Miami, FL.

Swanson, S. (2025, January). Emerging trends in AI and music education [Presentation]. NAMM Show, Anaheim, CA.

Swanson, S. (2025, January). Using AI to enhance private instruction [Presentation]. NAMM Show, Anaheim, CA.

Swanson, S. (2021, June). Everyday advocacy [Presentation]. International Music Education Summit, Virtual.

Swanson, S. (2020, December). Everyday advocacy [Presentation]. Tonara InspirED Music Expo, Virtual.

 

Invited Guest Lectures and Presentations

Swanson, S. and Murnak, R. (2026, September) Popular Music Pedagogy 101 [Invited presentation]. Undergraduate Music Education Forum, University of Miami.

Swanson, S., Ghosh, A., & Collins, T. (2026, May). Who played that? College music education students' accuracy in detecting AI-generated piano performance [Invited presentation]. Music Engineering Lab, University of Miami.

Swanson, S. (2026, April). Recommender systems in technology enhanced learning [Invited presentation]. Music Engineering Lab, University of Miami.

Swanson, S. (2026, April). AI prompting for music education [Invited presentation]. Music Education Forum, Florida International University.

Swanson, S. (2025, November). The AI music arms race: On the detection of AI-generated music [Invited presentation]. Music Engineering Lab, University of Miami.

Swanson, S. (2025, October). Artificial intelligence, music recommendation, and the curation of culture [Invited guest lecture]. MUE 705 Emerging Trends in Music Engineering I, University of Miami.

Swanson, S. (2025, October). AI prompting for music education [Invited guest lecture]. MED 15 Music Education Forum, University of Miami.

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GRANTS, AWARDS, AND HONORS

Academic Honors and Research Awards

• ISME Dillon Award, International Society for Music Education (2026)

• First Place, Arts and Humanities Oral Presentation, University of Miami Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Research Symposium (2026)

• Summer Mini-Grant, University of Miami, $5,000 awarded for research expenses (2025)

• Second Place, Arts, Humanities, and Communication, Conference of Florida Graduate Schools, Florida Atlantic University (2025)

• First Place, Arts and Humanities Poster, University of Miami Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Research Symposium (2025)
   

Industry and Leadership Honors

• NAMM Congressional Fly-In Delegate, representing North Carolina and Florida; participated in Congressional meetings supporting federal education policy advancing music learning access (2019, 2025, 2026)

• NAMM Bernice Ash Memorial Award, $5,000 professional development grant and one-year mentorship through NAMM Young Professionals, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation in the music products industry (2025)

• Charlotte's 50 Most Dynamic Women, recognizing leadership, innovation, and community impact in greater Charlotte metro area (2023)

• NAMM Women in Music Leadership Summit Award, recognizing key contributions to advancing women's leadership in music products industry (2022)

• NAMM Smart Women in Music Leadership Roundtable, invitation-only gathering of influential female leaders shaping diversity and inclusion initiatives (2020)

• NAMM Foundation Smart Women in Music Scholar, recognizing emerging female leader in music industry (2019)

• Music & Arts Peak Performer of the Year, Lessons (2011)

• Music & Arts Peak Performer (2010)

• Music & Arts Top Sales Location, North Fulton, GA, ranked first nationally among 150 stores (2009)

• Music & Arts Department of Excellence Award for Sales (2008)

• Music & Arts Top 3 Salesperson nationally among 800 sales professionals (2008)

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ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAM LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

 

Association for Popular Music Education (APME), Miami, FL August 2024 to Present

Director of Operations

Lead operational strategy for national professional association advancing popular music education at all academic levels. Manage $50,000 operating budget. Direct partnership development, expense management, and database systems. Coordinate logistics, scheduling, and onsite support for four annual events including North American and UK conferences. Facilitate weekly executive team meetings and quarterly board of directors meetings to foster strategic alignment. Supervise team of one to four interns.

• Increased website traffic 10% by optimizing user experience and improving communication of organizational programs to membership

• Streamlined inter-leadership communication protocols, reducing email volume and improving decision-making efficiency

• Mentored intern team to expand organizational capacity while creating professional development pathways

 

Practicing Musician, Shoreline, WA August 2020 to October 2024

Music education technology platform serving K-12 and higher education music educators nationwide

Chief Operating Officer November 2022 to October 2024

Directed operations and managed 15-member team for music education technology company. Developed and executed strategic organizational roadmaps, comprehensive KPI reporting systems, and cross-departmental workflows to optimize efficiency and scalability. Collaborated with executive leadership, department heads, and external stakeholders to align operational initiatives with educational mission. Provided monthly performance analytics to the executive board, highlighting data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.

• Implemented digital roadmaps that improved companywide efficiency 20%, saving approximately 12 hours per week per department, accelerating feature releases 30%, and reducing operational costs $175,000 annually

 

Senior Project Manager August 2020 to November 2022

Led cross-functional teams delivering complex education technology projects on time and within budget. Developed project plans, managed resources, improved processes, and mitigated risks to deliver quality educational tools—coordinated communication between departments, vendors, and clients.

• Led Music Educator Online Learning Project (MEOLP), enabling 250 music educators to contribute to learning management system, expanding educational content availability 500% and boosting monthly active users 320%

• Established partnerships with three major school districts representing over 75,000 potential student users

• Implemented stakeholder communication system that reduced miscommunication by 65% and accelerated project completion timelines by 25%

• Generated $120,000 in annual savings through reduced rework and resource reallocation while improving cross-departmental collaboration effectiveness by 40%

 

Music & Arts, Frederick, MD November 2008 to July 2020

National music products retailer operating 250 locations with extensive music lesson programs

National Lessons Supervisor August 2018 to July 2020

Directed nationwide music lesson programming across 250 locations serving 41,000 students and 4,000 instructors. Led cross-functional teams resolving major operational challenges. Streamlined scheduling systems, implemented standardized quality assurance protocols, and optimized instructor allocation across regions.

• Improved student retention 10% through targeted re-enrollment campaigns and data-driven family engagement strategies

• Designed and launched lesson sales training for 1,000 sales employees, increasing lesson enrollment 20% and supporting delivery of over 2 million private lessons annually

• Delivered presentations at national and district-level meetings, growing adoption of strategic lesson initiatives across the organization

 

Affiliate Operations Manager November 2016 to July 2018

Led and mentored team of four employees. Authored and implemented policies to maintain operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Directed cross-functional teams, optimizing workflows, negotiating vendor contracts, and implementing quality assurance measures. Managed budgets of $1 to $2 million.

• Designed new inventory processes saving $100,000 through reduced inventory shrinkage, a 33% year-over-year improvement

• Redesigned 50 affiliate rental workflows, cutting processing errors 35%

• Developed leadership pipeline through training programs, mentorship, and targeted growth plans, resulting in two internal promotions

 

Business Process Management Consultant June 2013 to October 2016

Tested and evaluated performance of company website and corresponding pages. Provided quality assurance through iterations of project deployment. Conducted cross-browser, cross-platform, regression, and load testing.

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National Lesson Growth Coordinator

December 2009 to May 2013

Analyzed national, regional, and location-specific lesson program trends. Developed and monitored growth and retention goals across the organization.

• Shifted organizational culture toward lessons as core service and revenue driver, generating 10% retention increase and 5% national enrollment growth

• Created training materials for national meetings and delivered eight presentations to audiences of 50 to 200 retail and education professionals

• Conducted 120 on-site visits across four regions, achieving 20% improvement in compliance with corporate standards

• Advocated for music lesson teachers at corporate level, securing five policy improvements and developing training materials that improved new teacher retention 5%

 

Store Manager, North Fulton Location November 2008 to November 2009

Managed lesson enrollment of 500 students and 50 teachers.

• Trained 10 full and part-time employees in sales, customer service, and store operations, achieving 15% improvement in customer satisfaction scores

• Led sales team to exceed monthly sales goals by approximately 10% for 12 consecutive months

• Built partnerships with 40 local schools, increasing school program participation 10%

 

EDITORIAL APPOINTMENTS

Music Alive! August 2020 to August 2024

Editor-in-Chief

Monthly publication with distribution to 80,000 music education teachers

• Authored and published 50 feature articles

• Designed issue line-ups, edited copy, and developed graphic design layouts, reducing production timeline 20%

• Conducted 24 interviews with prominent music industry professionals

• Researched and developed six education-focused series shared with 80,000 music educators nationwide

 

In Tune Magazine August 2020 to August 2024

Editor

Digital magazine focusing on contemporary music and music education

 

ASCAP Digital Magazine August 2020 to August 2021

Editor

Publication of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

 

CONFERENCE AND EVENT ORGANIZATION

Association for Popular Music Education

As Director of Operations, lead end-to-end coordination of APME's annual conferences, including logistics planning, scheduling, sponsorship development, onsite operations, vendor management, risk management protocols, and post-event evaluation.

• APME Summer International Conference, Valencia, Spain (2027)

• APME Summer Conference, Columbia, SC (2027)

• APME Summer International Conference, Sulmona, Italy (2026)

• APME Summer Conference, Miami, FL (2026)

• APME Summer Conference, Memphis, TN (2025)

 

Frost School of Music, University of Miami

• Frost School of Music Research Showcase, Coral Gables, FL (2026)

• Frost School of Music Research Showcase, Coral Gables, FL (2025)

 

UNIVERSITY SERVICE AND GOVERNANCE

University of Miami

Board of Trustees, Academic Affairs Committee 2026 to Present

Appointed position, which reviews academic policy, degree program proposals, curriculum changes, and faculty appointment and promotion matters before they go to the full Board. Provide input on accreditation, program review, and student outcomes.

 

Search Committee Member, Dean of the Graduate School 2026

Appointed by University of Miami Provost. Evaluated applicants using committee-developed rubric. Voted on advancement decisions and participated in second-round interviews. Served as sole student representative of over 4,000 students.

 

President, Graduate Student Association 2025 to Present

Serve as elected representative for the graduate student body, liaising with university administration, faculty governance, and institutional leadership on graduate student concerns. Preside over board meetings and guide organizational strategy, policy, and programming.

• Serve as liaison between graduate student population and university senior leadership (e.g. President, Provost, Senior Vice Presidents)

• Restored in-person meetings and events following a period of organizational dormancy, rebuilding community infrastructure and student engagement

• Recruited new senator members, expanding departmental representation across graduate programs

• Led fully functional executive board, fostering consistent participation and accountability

• Increased event attendance through strategic programming and targeted outreach

 

Graduate Student Representative, Senior Vice President's Roundtable 2025 to Present

Advocate for student interests during board meetings and governing events. Participate in discussions and vote on matters affecting the university. Communicate regularly with administrators and student organizations.

 

Member, Honor and Disciplinary Council 2025 to 2026

Reviewed graduate student complaints, evidence, and documentation involving faculty, school, or university matters. Voting member sending recommendations to Dean of the Graduate School. Reviewed disciplinary cases with Senior Vice President of Student Affairs as voting member with final determination authority.

 

Member, Graduate Council 2025 to 2026

Reviewed proposed new degree programs and certificate tracks. Voting member determining advancement of proposed programs to faculty senate.

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Board Service

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University of Miami Alumni Association Board of Directors June 2025 to Present

Board Member

Liaise between alumni association and student body. Identify, implement, and evaluate programs enhancing the association's presence on campus. Engage in activities connecting alumni and current students as alumni ambassador.

 

Give A Note Foundation, Carmel, IN August 2020 to Present

Board Member and Treasurer

Advise nonprofit on goal achievement strategies, long-term planning, executive leadership candidate evaluation, and culture transformation. Serve as treasurer, analyzing financial statements and serving as secondary signatory. Provide strategic direction, oversight, and decision-making guidance.

 

Miami Jam Sessions, Miami, FL December 2020 to December 2021

Board Advisor

Provided strategic guidance to music therapy nonprofit serving 20 clients annually with focus on underserved communities. Devised and delivered recommendations for membership growth.

 

Mentorship

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NAMM Women of NAMM Emerging Leaders Mentor 2024 to Present

Mentor emerging female professionals as part of formal women's leadership initiative designed to increase female representation in leadership positions across music products, pro audio, and entertainment technology sectors. Guide mentees in developing leadership skills, career advancement strategies, and industry networking.

 

NAMM Young Professionals Mentor 2023 to 2024

Selected for established year-long mentorship program pairing industry veterans with emerging professionals. Conducted monthly guidance sessions focused on professional development, industry knowledge, and career advancement. Facilitated networking opportunities across the music industry ecosystem.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Save Our Schools (SOS), Union County, NC September 2022 to Present

Moderator and Fundraiser (remote)

Administer online community and lead fundraising for public school programs. Organize and train volunteers. Allocate funding received. Research state and federal law and impact on public schools.

• Built and grew community to 2,500 parents and education stakeholders in 12 months through coordinated social media campaigns and outreach

• Established community guidelines and moderation protocols that reduced inappropriate content 25% while increasing meaningful discussion

• Led team of 12 volunteers in creating and distributing promotional materials for six Board of Education candidates, contributing to successful election outcomes

• Raised $10,000 through strategic donor outreach efforts

• Implemented compliance system maintaining 100% adherence to local and state fundraising regulations

 

Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership, Frederick, MD March 2015 to August 2019

Social Media Volunteer

• Developed and executed social media strategy across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, increasing follower engagement 60% and total audience 250%

• Implemented content calendar system improving posting consistency 45% and audience reach 125%

• Documented 15 volunteer events annually through photographs and real-time updates, boosting participation 15%

 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Texas Music Educators Association (2025 to Present)

• International Society for Music Education (2025 to Present)

• College Music Society (2024 to Present)

• Association for Popular Music Education (2024 to Present)

• National Association for Music Education (NAfME) (1999 to 2004; 2024 to Present)

• Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) (2024 to Present)

• National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) (2021 to Present)

• Women of NAMM (WON) (2018 to Present)

• Georgia Music Educators Association (2000-2004)

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