Julia Bali-Weber

Dr. Julia Bali-Weber serves as Professor of Music Education at the University of Music and Dance Cologne since October 2023, with expertise spanning composition pedagogy, digital music production, and teacher professional development. Her research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in contemporary music education.

Her academic foundation includes:

• Teacher training for Gymnasium and comprehensive schools at Saar University of Music/Saarland University (Music and Latin)
• Referendariat at ZfsL Aachen
• PhD from University of Cologne (2020) on composers' beliefs and pedagogical actions

Research centers on the intersection of composition pedagogy and digital technology, examining how educators navigate creative agency in digital music production while addressing belief-practice gaps in technology integration. Her work explores role dynamics in collaborative composing and the tension between structured guidance and student autonomy in composition processes.

Recent publications reveal evolving trends toward technology-enhanced composition pedagogy, with increasing focus on comparative studies of formal/informal learning environments and cross-cultural analyses of music education systems. Her scholarship demonstrates consistent emphasis on teacher cognition, professional identity, and the sociocultural dimensions of music creation.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Research Award of the Working Group for Music Education Research (2021)

She directs significant externally funded initiatives including KOMPÄD (BMBF-funded) and Future Songwriting (Creative Europe), while maintaining teaching appointments at Koblenz-Siegen and Cologne universities. Her collaborative networks span European research consortia focused on composition pedagogy frameworks and digital music education innovation.

Current activities involve developing the 'Handreichungen zur Kompositionspädagogik' guidelines and leading project teams investigating role expectations in collaborative composing environments within educational settings.