Ruth Gurgel

Ruth Gurgel is an Associate Professor of Music Education at Kansas State University's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. She serves as the Chair of Music Education, focusing on integrating culturally relevant pedagogy into elementary music instruction.

• Ph.D. in Music Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Minor in Sociology and Educational Policy
• M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Colorado Christian University
• B.M. in Flute Performance and Music Education, Lawrence University

Her research emphasizes creating inclusive and engaging music classrooms through multicultural approaches, presented at national and international conferences. She teaches with techniques from Kodaly, Orff, Dalcroze, and Gordon, blending diverse methodologies for urban elementary music education.

Dr. Gurgel's career began in urban school districts in Colorado and Wisconsin, where she taught general music, band, choir, and orchestra. Her current work focuses on curriculum development and pedagogical innovation.