Why Music Matters

Written by Catherine Morris

An Opening Essay | MediaEd Insights | Music Education Edition | March 2026

You, like most of us, can probably point to a moment in time when music made all the difference in the world to you. Those of us who attended the Media Education Lab’s collaborative webinar with the Swifties for Hope were reminded of the impact music can have through the study of fandom and its intersections with politics.

Making Space: The Evolving Mixtape in Romania

A Case Study | MediaEd Insights | Music Education Edition | March 2026

Written by Dr. David Gracon

Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls: An excerpt from "Sun Shining on Morning Snow"

Written by Ingrid Hu Dahl

A Book Excerpt | MediaEd Insights | Music Education Edition | March 2026

As I wrapped my final semester of graduate school and my two-year work contract, I had one thing left to do to

Spotify: Marketing "Mood" Over "Music"

Written by Joe Rubin 

A Book Review | MediaEd Insights | Music Education Edition | March 2026

As a 3rd generation hobby musician in my family, I am extremely fortunate that my own kids accepted their pre-determined role as the 4th.  Unfortunately, after fully embracing my instruments, taste and passion, the “pinch-me” euphoria of this outcome became tainted for me as they grew older.

Music, Technology, and Open Exploration

Written by Sarah Eckerstorfer

A Case Study | MediaEd Insights | Music Education Edition | March 2026

For the past four years, I have worked as an after school program coordinator at a technology center in North Minneapolis.

On March 12, and 13th, 2026, we gathered at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and Integrated Marketing Communications for the MediaEd Research Jam, and I am still feeling energized by everything that happened there.