Verses and Verbs: Using Music to Teach College Composition with Johnny Hrebik

Hosts Michelle and Deanna sit down with Dr. Johnny Hrebik, Department Chair of English at Cape Fear Community College and author of "Memories and Melodies: The Essential First Year Writing EP." Dr. Hrebik shares his journey from aspiring musician to English professor, explaining how he revolutionized composition instruction by integrating music into the classroom. His innovative methods include creating collaborative playlists with students, analyzing song lyrics to teach essay structure, using musical transitions as models for writing, and incorporating performance elements that build confidence and critical thinking skills. Through personal anecdotes—including a memorable student interaction with Melissa Etheridge and his own transformative experience with the Goo Goo Dolls—Dr. Hrebik demonstrates how music creates a comfortable learning environment that enables students to express their authentic voices while mastering academic writing conventions. To learn more about his publication with Great River Learning, visit https://grl.pub/WritingEP Can I Get a Retake? welcomes a variety of perspectives. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Great River Learning. Listen and Subscribe to Can I Get a Retake? on Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever else you listen to podcasts. https://grl.pub/podcast What else we have going on: LinkedIn:   / greatriverlearning   Facebook:   / greatriverlearning