Laura Benjamins

I am currently a PhD candidate in Music Education at Western University in London, Ont., and am passionate about the interdisciplinary connections between music education, community music, and church music. My SSHRC-funded doctoral research focuses on musicians’ perceptions of inclusion, participation, and relationality in religious worship contexts.

I hold undergraduate degrees in piano performance and education (Redeemer University); an A.R.C.T. in piano performance through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto; and an MMus in music education (Western University). I continue to work as an undergraduate music course instructor at Redeemer University and Western University. And my experience as an elementary school music educator and active church musician has significantly shaped my university teaching.

I have presented on church music, informal music learning, inclusion, and social justice in various national and international conferences, and have been invited as a guest lecturer for several undergraduate church music courses. I currently serve as a church musician and worship service planner at my local church.