Mara E. Culp

Mara E. Culp is an Associate Professor of Music Teaching & Learning at the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music. Her roles include undergraduate and graduate teaching, research leadership, and institutional service. She holds a PhD and Master’s from Penn State University and a Bachelor’s from Siena Heights University, with additional certifications in Kodály, Orff, and inclusive teaching.

Her education includes degrees in Music Education and certifications in pedagogical frameworks like Kodály and Orff methodologies. She maintains active teaching credentials in Michigan and focuses on equitable education practices.

Culp’s research emphasizes inclusive music education for diverse learners, particularly students with special needs. Her work explores intersections of music with communication, interprofessional collaboration, and intersectionality. She has published widely in journals like Journal of Research in Music Education and Music Educators Journal, with a co-edited book on equity in music teacher education under contract with Oxford University Press.

Her scholarly contributions address topics such as phonological awareness in children with speech disorders, equity-centered family engagement, and trauma-informed pedagogy. She actively serves on editorial boards (e.g., Music Educators Journal) and professional committees (e.g., NYSSMA Research Committee).

As an advocate for inclusive practices, Culp has advised student chapters like Eastman’s C-NAfME and contributed to interdisciplinary initiatives. Her recent work highlights strategies for accommodating learners with physical disabilities and promoting gender inclusivity through technology integration.