Aimee D. Pearsall-Kramer
Aimee Pearsall-Kramer
Director, Concert Choir
Office: 313 Amy E. du Pont Music Building
Biography
Aimee D. Pearsall-Kramer (Ph.D.) serves as an Assistant Professor of Music Education on the University of Delaware School of Music faculty, where she directs the UD Concert Choir and teaches courses in general music education. Dr. Pearsall earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degree from Temple University, publishing the dissertation entitled, "A Multiple Case Study of Informal Learning Practices and Processes Within Three High School Choral Programs." She also holds two masters degrees from the University of Delaware: one in music education with a teaching concentration and one in choral conducting. In the public school setting, Dr. Pearsall taught K-8th grade general music, choir, musical theatre, and orchestra in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Some of her research interests include adolescent songwriting, democracy in ensemble classrooms, and informal musicking. She has presented her research internationally and nationally at conferences including, but not limited to, the International Society for Music Education Conference (ISME), the International Society for Music Teacher Educators Conference (SMTE), the American Choral Directors Association National Conference (ACDA), the National Association for Music Research and Teacher Education National Conference (NAfME), the International Symposium for Research in Choral Singing, the College Music Society National Conference (CMS), the International Research in Music Education Conference (RiME), and the Suncoast Music Education Symposium National Conference.
In addition to presenting research, Dr. Pearsall frequently serves as a clinician and guest conductor for high school, middle school, and elementary school honors choruses and festivals across the east coast. Additionally, she directs the 4th-8th grade division of the University of Delaware Vocal Ensembles, and she currently holds a voice, violin, viola, and piano studio for children ages four and older.
2023 Pearsall, A. P. (2023). Informal Learning, MLT, and Choral Music: Where are the Connections? In K. McCoy, S. Chapman Hill, & J.Reese (Eds.), Q & A for MLT: Choral Perspectives. GIA.
2023 Pearsall, A. P. & Sigmund, N. (2023). Creativity, Improvisation, and Composition. In K. McCoy, S. Chapman Hill, & J. Reese (Eds.), Q & A for MLT: Choral Perspectives. GIA.
2023 Pearsall, A. P. Informal learning practices and processes in three high school choral programs: A multiple case study [Doctoral dissertation, Temple University].
2022 Pearsall, A. P. (2021). Bridging practices: Infusing general music into the choral classroom. In S. Burton (Ed.), Engaging musical practices: A sourcebook for middle school general music. Rowman & Littlefield.
2021 Pearsall, A. P. (2021). [Review of the book Parenting musically, by L. Koops]. Music Educators Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/0027432121997775
2020 Pearsall, A. P. (2020). Large and small group songwriting in the choral rehearsal [abstract]. International Journal of Research in Choral Singing.
2016 Burton, S. L. & Pearsall, A. (2016). Music-based iPad app preferences of young children. Research Studies in Music Education, 38(1), 75-91. https://doi.org/10.1177/1321103X16642630.
2014 Burton, S. L. & Pearsall, A. (Summer, 2014). Four-year old children's musical iPad preferences [Conference proceedings]. International Society for Music Education, Early Childhood Music Education Commission, Brasilia, Brazil.
International
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024, August). A multiple case study of informal learning practices and processes within three high school choral programs. [Conference session]. International Society for Music Education, Helsinki, Finland.
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024, April). A multiple case study of informal learning practices and processes within three high school choral programs. [Conference session]. Society for Research in Choral Singing, Chicago, IL, United States.
2023 McCoy, K., Mullen, A., Palkki, J., & Pearsall, A. (2023, August). Choral track preview [Conference session]. International Conference on Music Learning Theory, Chicago, IL, United States.
2023 Pearsall, A. & Mijares, M. (2023, April). Unlocking voices: Choral democracy! [Conference session]. World Symposium on Choral Music, Istanbul, Turkey.
2023 Pearsall, A. (2023, April). "We have a voice:" Informal learning practices and processes in one high school choral program [Paper presentation]. International Research in Music Education Conference at the Royal Institute of Music Education, Online.
2022 Pearsall, A. (2022, July). Arranging by ear in the choral classroom: A case study [Paper presentation]. International Society for Music Education, Brisbane, Australia, Online.
2021 Pearsall, A. (2021, July). Scaffolding improvisation and arranging of pop music with your choir [Conference session]. International Conference on Music Learning Theory, Chicago, IL, United States.
2021 Pearsall, A. (2021, April). “Give them choices!": An ethnographic case study of songwriting in a community children's choir [Paper presentation]. International Research in Music Education Conference at the Royal Institute of Music Education, Online.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020, August). Giving students the power: Incorporating large and small group songwriting into the choral rehearsal [Paper presentation]. International Society for Music Education, Helsinki, Finland: Cancelled.
2020 Pearsall, A. & Engel, E. (2020, August). The effect of songs and chants with words on phonological awareness in early childhood music [Paper presentation]. International Society for Music Education, Early Childhood Music Education Commission, Myllypuro, Finland: Cancelled.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020, May). Large and small group songwriting in the choral rehearsal [Conference session]. American Choral Directors Association Symposium for Research in Choral Singing, Atlanta, GA, United States.
2014 Burton, S. & Pearsall, A. (2014, July). Four-year old children's musical iPad preferences [Conference session]. Early Childhood Music Education Commission at the International Society for Music Education Conference, Brasilia, Brazil.
National
2023 Pearsall, A. (2023, October). A multiple case study of informal learning practices and processes within three high school choral programs [Poster session]. Society for Music Teacher Education, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
2021 Pearsall, A. (2021). Increasing access and engagement: Musical creativity as a culturally responsive approach to music education [Conference session]. American Choral Directors Association National Conference, Online.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019, September). The impact of a statewide advocacy day on pre-service music teachers' policy and advocacy awareness [Poster presentation]. Society for Music Teacher Education, Symposium on Music Teacher Education, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019, February). Student composition in the choral classroom [Paper presentation]. Suncoast Music Education Research Symposium, Tampa, FL, United States.
2016 Pearsall, A. (2016). Informal learning in the choral classroom [Paper presentation]. National Association for Music Research and Teacher Education National Conference, Creativity Special Research Interest Group, Atlanta, GA, United States.
2014 Burton, S. & Pearsall, A. (2014, February). Young children's preferences for music iPad apps [Paper presentation]. Suncoast Music Education Research Symposium at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
2014 Burton, S. & Pearsall, A. (2014). Young children's preferences for musical iPad apps [Paper presentation]. National Association for Music Education, Research and Teacher Education Conference, Early Childhood Music Special Research Interest Group, St. Louis, MO, United States.
2014 Pearsall, A. (2014). Children's Preferences and Responses to Musical iPad Apps: Where America's Technological Culture meets Music Education [Paper presentation]. The College Music Society National Conference, St. Louis, MO, United States.
Regional
2021 Pearsall, A. & Forney, J. (2021, April). Perceptions of school music held by out of school musickers: An instrumental case study [Poster presentation]. National Assoication for Music Education Eastern Division Conference, Online.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020, March). Empowering students to unleash their creativity: Composition in the choral rehearsal [Conference session]. Eastern Division American Choral Directors Association Conference, Rochester, NY, United States.
State
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024, September). The ABCs of MLT. Delaware Music Educators Association
Conference, Dover DE, United States.
2022 Pearsall, A., Gibson, L., Kachianos, S., Leighton, G., Romano, K., Scatena, S., Snyder, K, & Walker, C. (2022, October). Moving and grooving with little ones: New songs and chants [Conference session]. Delaware Music Educators Association Conference, Middletown, DE, United States.
2022 Pearsall, A. & Waggner, T. (2022, April). Students' descriptions of moving, singing, and chanting in one middle school orchestra program: An intrinsic case study [Paper & poster presentation]. Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, Pocono Manor, PA, United States.
2021 Pearsall, A. (2021, October). Improvisation in the elementary general classroom [Conference presentation]. Delaware Music Educators Association Conference, Online.
2020 Pearsall, A. & Forney, J. (2020, October). Beyond the ensemble: Engaging all students in secondary music programs [Conference presentation]. Delaware Music Educators Association Conference, Online.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020, April). The impact of a statewide advocacy day on pre-service music teachers' policy and advocacy awareness [Paper & poster presentation]. Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, Online.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019, October). Co-writing Songs with your students: Democratic Composition in the General/Ensemble Classroom [Conference presentation]. Delaware Music Education Association Conference, Middletown, DE, United States.
2018 Pearsall, A. (2018, October). Composition and Informal Learning in the Choral Classroom [Conference presentation].Delaware Music Education Association Conference, Middletown, DE, United States.
2016 Pearsall, A. (2016, April). Informal Learning in the Choral Classroom [Paper & poster presentation]. Pennsylvania Music Education Association Conference, Hershey, PA, United States.
2014 Pearsall, A. (2014). Young children's preferences for musical iPad Apps [Poster presentation]. University of Delaware Day at the Delaware State Legislature, Dover, DE, United States.
Local
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024, October). Ridgewood Public Schools Choir Professional Development. Ridgewood, NJ, United States.
2023 Pearsall, A. (2023, August). Lake Forest Middle School professional development: Developing an engaging curriculum for middle school general music classes. [Invited inservice presentation]. Lake Forest School District, Felton, DE, United States.
2021 Pearsall, A. (2021, November). Scaffolding improvisation and arranging of pop music [Invited presentation]. Hope College, Online.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020, February). Fostering engagement through musical creativity [Invited inservice presentation]. Branchburg-Somerville School District, Somerville, NJ, United States.
Conducting
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024). Cecil County All County Middle School Choir Director. Elkton, MD, United States.
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024). Appoquinimink School District Elementary School Choral Festival (“Mashups of Popular Songs!”). Middletown, DE, United States.
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024). Appoquinimink School District Middle and High School Choral Festival. Middletown, DE, United States.
2022 Pearsall, A. (2022, July). Assistant Conductor for the Delaware Choral Scholars, Rovinj, Croatia.
2022 Pearsall, A. (2022, January: Cancelled). Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Division 2 Chorus, Brookville, NY, United States.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020, January). Harford County All-County Middle School Honors Chorus, Bel Air, MD, United States.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020, March). Red Clay Consolidated School District Elementary School Chorus Festival, Wilmington, DE, United States. Cancelled.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019, November). Sussex County Junior Honor Choir. Lewes, DE, United States.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019). Salem County High School Chorus. Penns Grove, NJ, United States.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019). Red Clay Elementary School Chorus Festival. Wilmington, DE, United States.
2016 Pearsall, A. (2016). University of Delaware Chorale at the American Choral Director's Association Eastern Division Conference (Conducted piece as a graduate conductor). Boston, MA, United States.
Workshops & Adjudications
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024). North Bergen High School Choir Clinic. Newark, DE, United States.
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024). Cecil County Public Schools High School Choral Festival. Elkton, MD, United States.
2024 Pearsall, A. (2024). Appoquinimink School District Middle and High School Choral Festival. Middletown, DE, United States.
2023 Pearsall, A. (2023). Harford County Public Schools Choral Assessments. Havre de Grace, MD, United States.
2022 Pearsall, A. (2022). Harford County Public Schools Middle School Master Class: Glenwood Middle School. Glenwood, MD, United States.
2020 Pearsall, A. (2020). Harford County Public Schools All-County Middle School Adjudication. Havre de Grace, MD, United States
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019). JP Stevens High School Choir Adjudicator. Edison, NJ, United States.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019). Kent County Middle School Honors Chorus Festival. Dover, DE, United States.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019) Cherry Hill West High School Choirs Clinician. Cherry Hill, NJ, United States.
2019 Pearsall, A. (2019). Branchburg Middle School Orchestras Clinician in Branchburg, NJ, United States.
National
2024 Invited Guest Reviewer for Rowman and Littlefield Book Proposals
2024 Invited Guest Reviewer for International Journal of Music in Early Childhood (IJMEC)
2023-Present Society for Music Teacher Education (SMTE) Critical Examination of the Curriculum Area of
Strategic Planning Member
2023-Present Gordon Institute for Music Learning (GIML) Race, Social Justice, and Equity Commission Member
2023 Invited Guest Reviewer for Oxford Handbook of Gender & Queer Research in Music Education
2022-Present Gordon Institute for Music Learning (GIML) Choral Certification Track Development Committee
2021-Present Gordon Institute for Music Learning (GIML) Media and Communications Communications Team Member
2020-2022 Mentor for Music Service Learning (MSL), a Service-Learning Program connecting Collegiate students to K-12 Teachers in Need
2019-Present National Association for Music Education (NAfME) & Society for Research in Music Education
(SRME) Research Committee: Research Chair for the State of Delaware.
Regional
2022-Present Mid-Atlantic Gordon Institute for Music Learning (GIML) President
2019-2021 Mid-Atlantic Gordon Institute for Music Learning (GIML) President-Elect.
State
2018-Present Board Member for Delaware Music Educators Association (DMEA).
University
2024-Present Director’s Appointment on the UD School of Music Executive Committee
2024-Present Member of the NASM/APR Task Force
2024-Present Appointed Member on University Council for Teacher Education
2023-Present Faculty Advisor of The Music-Makers, a songwriting Service Learning Organization
2022-Present Faculty Advisor of ProjectMUSIC In Person! a service-learning project that takes place at four
local schools
2022-Present Faculty Advisor of UD’s Soul Hens, a music service learning organization.
2018-Present Faculty Advisor of UD’s collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education.
Fall 2024 Member of UD School of Music Search Committee for Music Education Professor.
2023-2024 Member of the UD School of Music Future-Finding Committee.
2021-2023 Faculty Advisor of ProjectMUSIC Online!, a virtual service-learning project connecting 30 UD students with over 120 elementary students from the Delaware area.
2018-Present Member of the University of Delaware Graduate Committee
Spring 2024 Member of UD’s Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship Committee.
Summer 2023 Member of the UD School of Music Search Committee for Theory Professor.
Fall 2023 Co-organizer and choral conductor of ChoralFest, a choral festival that engaged over 160 students in grades 4-12 in choral singing at the University of Delaware.
2018-2020 Faculty Advisor for the service-learning project, Project MUSIC Opera! in which UD students collaborated with fourth and fifth grade students at an elementary school to co-produce a musical.
2020-Present Faculty Advisor of the Beatboxers of University of Delaware
