K.

Michelle Lewis
502-235-4161 @drumsmartllc
[email protected] www.drumsmartllc.com

EDUCATION

2019-present Ph.D. in Music Education, University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

• Scholarship Recipient: Awarded Dr. David Sogin Scholarship (2023)

• Scholarship Recipient: Awarded Dr. Cecilia Wang Scholarship (2020)
• Scholarship Recipient: Awarded Summer Scholarships to complete coursework
• Study Abroad: Studied Mandingue Drumming and Dance in Guinea, Africa with Grand Master Drummer
Bolokada Conde' (2022)
• Research Project: Group Drumming and Social and Emotional Learning in Music Education: A review of
the literature (2022)
• Qualifying Exams – A.B.D. (2023)

2007-2013 Education Administration (Principal Certification), University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

• Leadership Certificate
• A Course of Study in Change Leadership and School Improvement
• Preparation in school leadership (K-12)

1999-2002 Master’s in Music Performance, Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey

• Teaching Assistant for Marching Band-Front Ensemble

• Performance Project: Master's Percussion Recital, 2001

1992-1996 Bachelor of Music Education, Morehead State University

Morehead, Kentucky

FORMAL ARTISTIC TRAINING:

2022-2023 Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy Apprenticeship-Level 2

2022 Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy-West Virginia University
2021 World Music Drumming Level 1-Murray State University
2021 Beat the Odds Training-University of California Los Angeles
2021 Remo Health Rhythms Certificate-Remo, Inc.
2021 Project-Based Learning Certificate-Magnify Learning
2020 Dalcroze Eurhythmics Level 1-University of Kentucky
2019 Village Music Circles Drum Circle Facilitation Certificate
2017 Modern Band-Indianapolis, Indiana
2007-2012 Orff-Schulwerk Level 1,2,3, and Curriculum -University of Kentucky
ADMINISTRATION

2013-2017 Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, Kentucky

District Music Curriculum Specialist for K-12 Music

• Collaborate with The Louisville Orchestra to create “The Young Composer’s Showcase”
• Provide Professional Learning for local, state, and national organizations
• Provide teacher support in the areas of Professional Development, Program Planning, and
Professional Learning Communities
• Collaborate with community partners to develop deeper learning experiences for our students
• Collaborate with Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education Specialists to
compile Music integration materials and professional development
• Manage 4 budgets totaling over $500,000
• Create and Revise Music Curriculum Documents (K-12)
• Program Coordinator for grades 5-12 All-County music events
• Develop Music Courses K-12 including Band, Choir, Orchestra, Piano, Guitar, Theory, General Music
• Executive Advisory Board-Composers and Schools in Concert, Petaluma, CA
• Volunteer Outreach Member for the Jazz Education Network
• Education Endorser for Salyers Percussion in Sugarland, Texas

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY POSITIONS

2018-2019 Indiana University Southeast

New Albany, Indiana
Adjunct Percussion Faculty

• Taught the percussion methods class for music education majors

1999-2001 Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey
Teaching Assistant for Marching Band

• Taught and arranged music for the front ensemble

1998-1999 Victoria College

Victoria, Texas
Percussion Ensemble Director

• Taught the percussion ensemble and applied percussion lessons

K-12 POSITIONS
2017-2021 Bloom Elementary School
Louisville, Kentucky
Music Specialist
 • Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
• Implemented Project-Based Learning opportunities for K-5 students.
• Engaged learners in vocal and instrumental music through Orff-Schulwerk, Dalcroze, Kodaly, Modern
Band, Informal Music Learning, and World Music Pedagogies.
• Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in the educational process.
• Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
• Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict resolution, critical
thinking, and communication.

2009-2013 J. Graham Brown School

Louisville, Kentucky
K-12 Music/Band Director

2006-2009 Shawnee High School and Western Middle School

Louisville, Kentucky
Band Director/Percussion Instructor

2004-2006 Clear Creek Elementary

Shelbyville, Kentucky
General Music

2002-2004 Huggins Elementary School

Fulshear, Texas
General Music

2001-2002 Crain Middle School (Sweepstakes Band)

Victoria, Texas
Band Director

1996-1999 Stroman High School and Patti Welder Middle School

Victoria, Texas
Assistant Band Director/Percussion Instructor

• Assessed musicians and assigned instruments and parts for songs and concerts.
• Monitored student progress based on detailed weekly lesson plans and assessments.
• Inventoried, maintained, repaired, and purchased new instruments and gear for the department.
• Traveled with the band to marching band shows and warmed up the drumline prior to competitions
and performances.
• Taught applied percussion lessons and percussion methods class weekly
• Taught percussion ensemble and scheduled performances for state solo and ensemble as well as fall
and spring school concerts.

SELF-EMPLOYED

2016-present DrumSmart LLC

Louisville, Kentucky
Owner and Percussion Specialist
www.drumsmartllc.com

• Coached and guided students of all ages to achieve higher performance levels on classical
percussion instruments, drumset, and world percussion.
 • Designed and created professional development for music educators nationwide online and in-
person.
• Provided opportunities for the community to unite through the facilitation of drum circles and
group drumming for various populations and purposes.
• Developed resources for music educators, music therapists, and home school populations.
• Researched group drumming and the positive effects it has on the body, mind, and spirit.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

2024 SoIN Body (in progress)

Paoli, Indiana
Community Drum Circle

2024 SoIN Body Summer Camp (in progress)

Paoli, Indiana
Group Drumming PlayShops

2024 Paoli Community Schools (in progress)

Paoli, Indiana
Group Drumming PlayShops

2023 Pikeville Holiday Bizarre

Pikeville, Kentucky
Community Drum Circle

2023 Levitt AMP Whitesburg Music Series

Whitesburg, KY
Community Boomwhacker Jam

2023-present Jefferson Community Technical College

Louisville, Kentucky
Creating Community Through World Drumming

2023 Louisville Youth Choir

Louisville, Kentucky
Your Body Is Your Instrument

2023 Bloom Elementary Dance Class

Louisville, Kentucky
Percussionist

2023 Paoli Fest

Paoli, IN
Community Drum Circle

2023 Texas Roadhouse

Bardstown, KY
Community Drum Circle
2023 Rhythm Rising
Harrodsburg, KY
Mindful Drumming

2022-present Jefferson County Public Schools

Louisville, Kentucky
Group Drumming PlayShops

2022-present Oldham County Public Schools

La Grange, Kentucky
Group Drumming PlayShops

2022-present The Louisville Leopard Percussionists

Louisville, KY
Director, World Drumming Ensemble

2022-present Dreams with Wings

Louisville, Kentucky
Drum Circle PlayShop

2022-present Earth Spirit Center Camp Odyssey

Louisville, Kentucky
Rhythms of Nature

2022-present Bahai Center of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
Sing, Say, Drum, Pray

2021 Gifted and Talented Students

Jessamine County Public Schools
Percussion That Pops

2020-present My Path Yoga Festival

Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Mindful Drumming

2021-present Earth Spirit Center

Louisville, Kentucky
Mindful Drumming Meditation

2020-2021 Lotus Counseling and Wellness Center

Louisville, Kentucky
Druminyasa

2019-present Children’s Homes

Hawaii and Kentucky
Drumming Playshop Facilitator

2019-2020 The Intuitive Connection

Louisville, Kentucky
Drum Meditation
2016-present The Louisville Leopard Percussionists
Louisville, Kentucky
Summer Camp Staff

• Led groups of children through a variety of group drumming lessons from around the world.
• Factored in abilities, needs, and interests of participants in the development of a world drumming
program using the World Music Pedagogy.
• Provided clear instruction to program participants to deliver a performance of group drumming at the
end of the camp.

2016-2018 The Louisville Leopard Percussionists

Louisville, Kentucky
Director, Middle School Ensemble

GUEST LECTURES

2024 Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky

Invitation accepted
2022 University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Presented on Project Based Learning in Music: Creating Music That Impacts the World

2021 University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky

Presented on Drum Circle facilitation using the Remo Health Rhythms protocol

2019 University of Tennessee, Martin, Tennessee

Presented on entrepreneurship in music education

REGIONAL/STATE PRESENTATIONS

• Lewis, K. (2024). Addressing Social and Emotional Learning Through Group Drumming. (Presentation). Jessamine
County Public School Music Educators. Nicholasville, Kentucky.
• Lewis, K. (2024). Addressing Social and Emotional Learning Through Group Drumming. (Presentation). Jessamine
County Public School Administrators. Nicholasville, Kentucky.
• Lewis, K. (2024). Addressing Social and Emotional Learning Through Group Drumming. (Presentation). Arizona
Music Educators Association Conference. Phoenix, Arizona.
• Lewis, K. (2023). Addressing Social and Emotional Learning Through Group Drumming. (Presentation). Kentucky
Educational Development Corporation. Berea, Kentucky.
• Lewis, K. (2023). Addressing Social and Emotional Learning Through Group Drumming. (Presentation). Jefferson
County Public Schools Summer Institute. Louisville, Kentucky.
• Lewis, K. (2023). The Connectivity of Orff-Schulwerk and Guinean Drumming. (Presentation). Long Island Orff
Schulwerk Association. Long Island, New York.
• Lewis, K. (2023). The Connectivity of Orff-Schulwerk and Guinean Drumming. (Presentation). Mountain Laurel
Orff Schulwerk Association. Morgantown, West Virginia.
• Lewis, K. (2022). Community Drum Circle: Connecting with Colleagues. (Presentation). Jessamine County Public
Schools, Nicholasville, KY.
 • Lewis, K. (2022). The Connectivity of Orff-Schulwerk and Guinean Drumming. (Presentation). New York State
School Music Association Conference, Rochester, NY.
• Lewis, K. (2021). Mindful Drumming. (Presentation). Percussive Arts Society International Conference,
Indianapolis, IN.
• Lewis, K. (2021). Innovations in Orff-Schulwerk (Presentation). Kentucky Orff-Schulwerk Association, Louisville,
KY.
• Lewis, K. (2020). Creative Connections In Elemental Music. (Presentation). South Florida Orff Association,
Virtual.
• Lewis, K. (2020). Project-Based Learning in Music: Creating Music That Impacts The World (Presentation). Ohio
Music Educators Association Conference, Cincinnati, OH.
• Lewis, K. (2020). Project-Based Learning in Music: Creating Music That Impacts The World (Presentation).
Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference, Louisville, KY.
• Lewis, K. (2019). Project-Based Learning in Music: Creating Music That Impacts The World (Presentation).
Jefferson County Public School Music Teacher Workshop, Louisville, KY.
• Lewis, K. (2019). Project-Based Learning in Music: Creating Music That Impacts The World (Presentation).
Deeper Learning Symposium, Louisville, KY.
• Lewis, K. (2019). Percussion That Pops (Presentation). Modern Band Summit, Ft. Collins, CO.
• Lewis, K. (2019). Engaging Students in Creating Through Drum Circle Facilitation (Presentation). Kentucky Music
Educators Association Conference, Louisville, KY.
• Lewis, K. (2019). A single case study of a drum circle facilitator: Integrating mindfulness practices into drum
circles. (Poster). Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference, Louisville, KY.
• Lewis, K. (2019). Percussion That Pops (Presentation). New Mexico Music Educators Association Conference,
Albuquerque, NM.
• Lewis, K. (2019). Engaging Students in Creating Through Drum Circle Facilitation (Presentation). New Mexico
Music Educators Association Conference, Albuquerque, NM.
• Lewis, K. (2018). Percussion That Pops. (Presentation). Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion, Lexington, KY.
• Lewis, K. (2018). Collaborating with Community Partners for Deeper Learning Opportunities in Music.
(Presentation). Indiana Music Educators Association Conference, Ft. Wayne, IN.
• Lewis, K. (2018). Engaging Students in Creating Music Through Drum Circle Facilitation. (Presentation). Indiana
Music Educators Association Conference, Ft. Wayne, IN.
• Lewis, K. (2017). Engaging Students in Creating Music Through Drum Circle Facilitation. (Presentation). Kentucky
Music Educators Association Conference, Louisville, KY.
• Lewis, K. (2017). Drumming and Literacy. (Presentation). Kentucky Center for the Arts Arts Academy, Danville,
KY.
• Lewis, K. (2014). Music is Elementary. (Presentation). Bullitt County Public School Music Teachers, Mt.
Washington, KY.

INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

• Lewis, K. (2023). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Group Drumming Events (Panel Discussion). Percussive Arts
Society International Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Lewis, K. & VanKlompenburg, A. (2023). Rhythm Regulation: Self-Regulation Strategies Through Drumming
and Movement. (Presentation). Trauma-Informed Educator’s Network. Virtual
• Lewis, K. (2022). The Connectivity of Orff-Schulwerk and Guinean Drumming. (Presentation). F-flat Books
Summer Symposium. Virtual
 • Lewis, K. (2022). Drum Circles Suck. (Panel Discussion). Percussive Arts Society International Conference,
Indianapolis, IN.
• Lewis, K. (2021). A Single Case Study of a Drum Circle Facilitator: Integrating Mindfulness Practices into Drum
Circles. (Presentation). Asian Rhythm Facilitator's Conference, Virtual.
• Lewis, K. (2021). Mindful Drumming (Presentation). Teaching With Orff Summer Retreat, Virtual
• Lewis, K.(2020). Project-Based Learning in Music: Creating Music That Impacts The World. (Presentation).
National Association for Music Education Conference, Orlando, FL.
• Lewis, K. (2020). Mindful Drumming (Presentation). F-flat Books Summer Symposium, Virtual
• Lewis, K. (2018). Drum Circle Facilitation (Poster). National Association for Music Education Conference,
Dallas, TX.
• Lewis, K. (2015). National Core Arts Standards Curriculum Design. (Panelist). American Orff-Schulwerk
Association Conference, San Diego, CA.
• Lewis, K. (2013). Orff-Schulwerk Reflections and Directions.(Panelist). American Orff-Schulwerk Association
Conference, Denver, CO.

PUBLICATIONS

E-BOOKS
• Lewis, K. in press. Social Emotional Learning and Group Drumming. F-flat Books.
• Lewis, K. (2023). Project-Based Learning in Music: Music That Impacts the World. F-flat Books.
• Lewis, K. (2020). It's Drum O' Clock: A Digital Drum Circle Experience. F-flat Books.

CREATIVE ACTIVITY/PUBLICATIONS
Percussion Blog Editor at DrumSmart LLC: https://drumsmartllc.com/blog 2022-present
Power of Percussion Podcast Host at DrumSmart LLC: Interview, edit, and publish stories. 2020-present

INVITED BOOK CHAPTER

• Lewis, K. (2013). Orff Schulwerk: Reflections and Directions. In C. Wang. (Ed), GIA Publications

MAGAZINES/JOURNALS
• Lewis, K. in press. The Life of an Edupreneur: Passioning with Purpose. Pan Pipes.
• Lewis, K. in press. Addressing Social and Emotional Learning Through Group Drumming. MEJ.
• Lewis, K. (2024). Spinning Webs of Connectivity in Orff-Schulwerk and Guinean Drumming. The Orff Echo.
• Lewis, K. (2024). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Group Drumming Events. Percussive Notes Journal.
• Lewis, K. (2021). Foundational Rhythms for Drum Circles. Percussive Notes Journal. (contributing author)
• Lewis, K. (2019). Drum Your Way to Mindfulness. Rhythm Scene Magazine.
• Lewis, K. (2019). Project-Based Learning in Music: Music That Impacts the World. Connecticut Music Educators
Association (CMEA News).
• Lewis, K. (2018). Project-Based Learning in Music: Music That Impacts the World. Bluegrass Music News.
• Lewis, K. (date). Drum Circle Facilitation. NafMe Teaching with Music Magazine.
• Lewis, K. (2016). Technology in Music Education. Bluegrass Music News.
NEWS NETWORK
• Lewis, K. (2023). Social Emotional Learning Lesson Plan-PBS/Kentucky Education Television Network
 • Lewis, K. (2019). Vodcast Lesson Plan-PBS/Kentucky Education Television Network

PUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS
Lewis, K. (2024). A Comparison of online and in-person group drumming on the social and emotional wellness of
university students. Percussive Notes Online Research Edition.

UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS
Lewis, K. (2020). A single case study of a drum circle facilitator: Integrating mindfulness practices into drum circles.

BLOGS
• Lewis, K. (2022). Group Drumming: Addressing the Social and Emotional Needs of Students. DrumSmart LLC.
• Lewis, K. (2021). Making It Work: Facilitating Drum Circles for Healing with Children. Teaching With Orff.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Leadership Positions
• Percussive Arts Society Interactive Drumming Committee Member. 2022-present
• Volunteer Outreach Member for the Jazz Education Network 2013-2017
• Executive Advisory Board-Composers and Schools in Concert, Petaluma, CA. 2013-2017
• Kentucky Music Educators Association. Elementary Music Chair 2014-2016
• Kentucky Orff Schulwerk Association. Hospitality Chair 2009

Supervision/Mentor
• Jefferson County Public Schools. Supervised student teachers. 2016-2021
• Shelby County Public Schools. Supervised student teacher. 2007

ENDORSEMENTS
• Remo Rhythm and Wellness Facilitator for Remo Inc. 2022-
present
• Education Endorser for Salyers Percussion in Sugarland, Texas. 2017-present

HONORS/AWARDS

• Innovative Music Teacher Grant Award Winner for the Give a Note Foundation 2019
• Spotlight Award Winner-American Center for Elemental Music and Movement 2018
• Citation for Service Award for Kentucky Music Educators Association-District 12 2017
• Gheens Innovative Teaching Grant 2011
• Grammy Enterprise Award for J. Graham Brown School Band 2010
• Gheens Innovative Teaching Grant 2010
• Percussive Arts Society International Convention-Marimba Individuals Competition-2nd Place 1996

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Drum Circle Facilitator’s Guild

Kentucky Orff-Schulwerk Association
National Association for Music Education
Percussive Arts Society

REFERENCES

Martina Vasil, PhD

Associate Professor, Music Education
University of Kentucky
421 Rose Street, Room 203
Lexington, KY 40506
(859) 257-8203
[email protected]

Context: During my time at the University, Dr. Vasil served as my dissertation committee chair and music education
advisor. She knows my professional goals and contributions to the music education community. She has knowledge of
my research, presentations, and workshops.

David Sogin, PhD

Professor, Music Education
University of Kentucky
421 Rose Street
Lexington, KY 40506
[email protected]

Context: During my time at the University, Dr. Sogin facilitated higher education and research classes that I took. He
knows my passion for group drumming research and work in the communities that I serve.