Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine and consider the use of popular music in schools and popular music pedagogy in music classrooms as well as provide examples of units of instruction which utilize the strategies and ideas addressed in the related literature. The paper begins with a review of literature, where the history of popular music in schools is discussed. Next, the research and strategies used in popular music pedagogy is discussed, along with the benefits of implementing these ideas in the music classroom. The review of literature concludes with challenges that accompany the use of popular repertoire and popular music pedagogy. Finally, this paper provides nine examples of units that use popular repertoire and popular music pedagogy strategies. It is hoped that these will provide inspiration for teachers to create their own units and lesson plans that are relevant to their specific group of students and setting.