Jennifer Whitaker

Jennifer Whitaker is a Professor of Music Education and Associate Chair of the Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), within the College of Arts + Architecture. She holds leadership roles including serving as the Canadian and United States Commissioner for the International Society for Music Education (ISME) Research Commission (2024–2030). Her research focuses on music teacher effectiveness, technology in music education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in music. Whitaker has presented globally, including in Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, and the UAE, and her work appears in journals like the Journal of Research in Music Education and International Journal of Music Education.

She earned a B.M. in Music Education from George Mason University, and a M.M. and Ph.D. in Music Education from Louisiana State University. Whitaker actively contributes to academic governance, having served as Coordinator of Music Education (2016–2020) and Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives for the College of Arts + Architecture (2019–2020). She co-hosted the 25th Clifford K. Madsen International Symposium on Research in Music Behavior (2024) and reviews for peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Her professional memberships include NAfME, ISME, the College Music Society, and Pi Kappa Lambda honor society. Whitaker’s work bridges pedagogy, technology, and equity, aiming to enhance inclusive music education practices globally.