Maurer received a PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Chicago and a BA in Music, Public Policy, and Education from Brown University.
His published works include “‘Now We’re Actually Playing Music’: Sones and Parental Transformation in Mexican Chicago” in the journal Ethnomusicology, assorted research reports on arts learning in Chicago Public Schools, and entries on global folk music, sea chanteys, and the city of Chicago in several music encyclopedias. He is particularly focused on teaching that makes musical knowledge and amateur music-making accessible to students without a formal background in music.
Prior to pursuing a doctoral degree, Maurer worked with FGLI high school students as a college access counselor in Providence and Boston. Beyond his academic career, he enjoys public- and nonprofit-sector work, including strategic planning and education program evaluation for arts organizations.
His primary focus as a musician is folksinging, both solo and in small group harmony. His assorted other musical roles have included accordionist in a maritime rock band, piano accompanist, musical theater performer, pit orchestra violinist, and ice skating mellophonist. He is currently learning to play the tenor recorder and Irish tin whistle.
Read a Q&A on Maurer’s subject Studies in Global Musics: Boston Music and Oral History here.
