AJ Marks

AJ Marks is a Ph.D. student in music and human learning at The University of Texas at Austin. He holds a Bachelor of Music in instrumental music studies with a minor in educational psychology from UT Austin.

Before beginning doctoral studies, Marks served as the Music Teacher at The University of Texas Elementary School in Austin, where he was recognized as the District Teacher of the Year in 2025. At UT Elementary, he taught orchestra, music production, and foundations in music to students in pre-K through 5th grade. He founded the school’s music production program and extracurricular ensembles, such as honor orchestra, ukulele choir, and chamber music. His prior experience also includes work as a private lessons instructor, clinician, and freelance performer.

Marks is passionate about expanding access to high-quality music education for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. He has worked with musicians from infancy through adulthood, fostering musical skill, curiosity, and joy across diverse educational contexts. His research interests include early childhood music education, access and equity in public school music programs, and the integration of music technology in music classrooms.