Tristan McMichael will discuss his research into the benefits of positive LGBTQIA2S+ representation in general music classrooms and present new original inclusive songs for general music. Additionally, using his research, the clinician will address how educators can safely navigate divisive concepts laws amidst a trepidatious political climate. One major emphasis in McMichael’s work and presentation includes the need for collaboration between all fields of music. The clinician will discuss the need for music educators to develop networks with composers, music therapists, performers, and musicians in other facets of the industry to continue to develop and expand inclusive curricula for the general music classroom and beyond. Throughout the presentation attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the content hands-on through group music-making experiences and lyric-writing opportunities. Attendees should leave this session emboldened to create age-appropriate curricula that positively includes the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Target Audience
Elementary Music Educators, Educators with Diverse Learners, Educators with an investment in their LGBTQIA2S+ students
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Tristan McMichael
Tristan McMichael is a multi-faceted musician from Northern California and Nevada with a wide breadth of musical passions including teaching, performing, woodwind doubling, conducting, composing, and arts administration. Across all of his interests, he has fostered a love for exploring new music, working with living composers, and diversifying the repertoire he performs, studies, and teaches.
McMichael engaged in performing arts advocacy from a young age, ensuring students in his home town had equitable access to music education. In 2019, he co-founded the 501(c)3 nonprofit Plumas Performing Arts, dedicated to supporting and uplifting the performing arts throughout Plumas County, California.
McMichael graduated from the University of the Pacific in 2025 with a B.M. in Music Education and a California Single Subject Credential in Music. He is currently attending the University of Nevada, Reno for his M.M. in Music Performance while actively teaching throughout the greater Reno area.