Julie Ballantyne is Associate Professor in Music Education in the School of Music at the University of Queensland, Australia. She is the Editor of the journal Research Studies in Music Education, and is passionate about teaching the next generation of music teachers. Dr Ballantyne's research interests include music teacher education, social justice in teacher education, the psychological and social impact of music participation at music festivals, and teacher identity. She has presented at  international conferences both in Australia and overseas, and has published articles in various international journals and books.