Agnes Haider

Agnes Haider is a Lecturer in Elementary Music Education at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music and the Friedrich Gulda University of Music. She specializes in inclusive music education, piano pedagogy, and innovative teaching methods for children aged 0-6. Since 2003, she has led the KinderMusikGruppe, a private music school emphasizing elemental music-making with families. Her research focuses on music’s role in dementia care and the integration of instrumental pedagogy with early childhood education.

Education:

• Magistra in Music Education and History (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna/University of Vienna, 2004)
• Teaching qualification in Piano Pedagogy (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, 2005)
• Academic Coach certification (ARGE Bildungsmanagement Wien/Sigmund Freud Private University, 2014)

Research Interests: Haider explores child-centered approaches to music education, the therapeutic applications of music for vulnerable populations (e.g., dementia patients), and cross-disciplinary projects like the Kla4 teaching model. She has presented at international conferences such as EuNet MERYC and the Demedarts Symposium.

Awards:

• 2020/21 Aviso Project Award for the inclusive musical theater production A Forest Elf Flies to Oman

Teaching & Leadership: In addition to university roles, Haider trains child health educators at Wiener Fachhochschule and directs Family Music Days. She has pioneered music programs for deaf and hearing children, integrating piano and percussion in collaborative settings.

Professional Activities:

• Board member of EMP-A Austria
• Pianist in the duo with percussionist Andreas Huber
• Contributions to child psychology initiatives via commissioned compositions