Biography
Dr. Christine Lapka is committed to guiding teacher education candidates in the areas of elementary music methods, exceptionalities in music, methods of instruction, and assessment. Before joining the faculty at the University of Central Florida, Dr. Lapka was a professor of music at Western Illinois University (WIU) with additional years in Illinois public schools in various music positions. The majority of her practical experience was in the area of elementary music education. During that time, she found her two undergraduate degrees invaluable to her teaching (Music Education and Music Therapy, WIU). Dr. Lapka completed a Master of Arts in Music Education (WIU, 1993) and a Doctorate in Music Education at the University of Illinois (2005). She received the Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence from the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) in 2014.
As a leader in the area of disabilities in music, she is in demand to provide workshops about students with different abilities. Likewise, several articles on the same subject appear in state, national, and international journals of music education. The chapter, “Including Students with Disabilities in Instrumental Ensembles,” is published in Exceptional Pedagogy for Children with Exceptionalities: International Perspectives (Oxford University Press). See her article in the 2020 book, The Choral Conductor's Companion (GIA Publications).
Education
- Ed.D. in Music Education from University of Illinois (2005)
- M.A. in Music Education from Western Illinois University (1992)
- B.A. in Music Education/Music Therapy from Western Illinois University (1987)
Research Interests
Music for all
Recent Research Activities
Exceptionalities in music education
Elementary music education
Professional Activities
- National Association for Music Education
- Florida Music Education Association (FMEA)
- Chairperson, FMEA Diverse Learners Committee
- Florida Elementary Music Education Association
- American Choral Directors Association
Publications
Articles/Essays
- Lapka, C. M. (2020). The joy of video modeling: A win for students with disabilities and everyone else. Florida Music Director, 74 (5), 46-49.
- Winter 2014 “Five Strategies for Teaching Students with Disabilities in Band/Orchestra” Bluegrass Music News https://www.nfhs.org/media/1016819/39-16.pdf
Book Sections/Chapters
-
Lapka, C. M. (2020) Breaking down barriers for students with disabilities in your choir. In B. J. Winnie (Ed.), The choral conductor's companion. GIA.
- Lapka, C. M. (2016). Including students with disabilities in instrumental ensembles In D. V. Blair & K. McCord (Eds.), Exceptional music pedagogy for children with exceptionalities: International perspectives (pp. 197-218). New York: Oxford University Press
- 2004 “You Need a Therapist” Spotlight on Making Music with Special Learners. Rowan & Littlefield Education in partnership with MENC: The National Association for Music Education. ed. Frances S. Ponick
Awards
Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence from the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), 2014
Outstanding Teacher–College of Fine Arts and Communication, 2006-2007
Courses
| Course # | Course | Title | Mode | Days/Times | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82498 | MUE3333 | Music Learning Theory and | In Person (P) | Tu,Th 4:45 PM - 6:00 PM | Unavailable |
| 82977 | MUE3942 | Music Internship Ⅰ | In Person (P) | Tu,Th 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Unavailable |
| 82486 | MUE4311 | Ele School Music Methods | In Person (P) | Tu,Th 9:00 AM - 10:20 AM | Unavailable |
| 83667 | MUE4311 | Ele School Music Methods | In Person (P) | Tu,Th 6:30 PM - 7:50 PM | Unavailable |
| 82978 | MUE4943 | Music Internship Ⅱ | In Person (P) | M,Tu,W,Th,F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Unavailable |
| Course # | Course | Title | Mode | Days/Times | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11856 | MUE3353 | General Music Lit Techniques | In Person (P) | Tu,Th 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM | Unavailable |
| 12172 | MUE3942 | Music Internship Ⅰ | In Person (P) | 7:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Unavailable |
| 20011 | MUE4393 | Music Students with Exceptiona | In Person (P) | Tu,Th 4:00 PM - 4:50 PM | Unavailable |
| 12173 | MUE4943 | Music Internship Ⅱ | In Person (P) | M,Tu,W,Th,F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Unavailable |
| 21190 | MUE6080 | Foundations of Music Education | Web-Based (W) | 7:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Unavailable |