Benjamin C. Helton

Benjamin C. Helton serves as Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of the Spartan Marching Band at Case Western Reserve University, teaching courses including Marching Band, Music Cognition, Foundations of Music Education, Student Teacher Seminar, and Music Education Advocacy and Policy while actively advocating for public school music access in Ohio.

His educational background comprises:

• Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois
• Master of Music from Northern Illinois University
• PhD in Music Education from the University of Illinois

Research focuses on music education policy, adult music learners, and cognitive science applications in instrumental pedagogy, evidenced by publications in the International Journal of Music Education and Arts Education Policy Review alongside presentations at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic, NAfME National Conference, and AERA annual meeting.

Dr. Helton has supervised student teachers and coordinated teacher seminars while directing the Spartan Marching Band, building on prior experience with the Huskie Marching Band at Northern Illinois University and K-12 teaching in Illinois school districts.