James Eldreth holds a Ph.D. in music education from Penn State and has eleven years of experience teaching music in public schools in Missouri and Pennsylvania, as well as one year of experience teaching music at the collegiate level. He has presented on the topic of jazz pedagogy in elementary general music both nationally and internationally, and has additional training in Orff-Schulwerk, World Music Drumming, Modern Band, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy, and Montessori Arts. His current research includes musical engagement in impoverished rural areas, informal learning, community music-making, lifelong learning, and avoiding burnout as a music educator.
James holds additional degrees from Penn State (M.M.E., music education) and Southeast Missouri State (M.A., secondary education; B.M.E., music education; and B.M., trumpet performance). He resides in State College, PA, with his wife, Audry Thompson. They enjoy spending their free time traveling and playing with their three cats.
James holds additional degrees from Penn State (M.M.E., music education) and Southeast Missouri State (M.A., secondary education; B.M.E., music education; and B.M., trumpet performance). He resides in State College, PA, with his wife, Audry Thompson. They enjoy spending their free time traveling and playing with their three cats.
Curriculum Vitae
Last Updated: June 9, 2026
