College Instructor Performs Emo Music to Connect and Revitalize Students Throughout Classes

### Viral Professor: How Matthew Pittman Rouses Sleeping Students With Emo Songs

A student dozing off during a lecture is a commonplace yet irritating scenario for numerous professors. While some educators may overlook it, others might opt to explicitly call out the student or toss in a tricky question to ensure attentiveness. Contrarily, one college instructor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has adopted a markedly distinctive and unforgettable approach—blending nostalgia, musical flair, and humor to reengage his students in an extraordinary manner.

Professor Matthew Pittman, an assistant professor of advertising and public relations at UTK, has attracted online attention for his unconventional and catchy technique of waking up students who might drift into slumber during lectures. Instead of disrupting the class or harshly highlighting sleepy students, Pittman taps into his millennial heritage, belting out lyrics from well-known emo and pop-punk tracks to energize the environment. His amusing methods have not only entertained his students but have also turned him into a viral sensation across social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

#### The “Emo Wake-Up Calls” That Captivated the Internet

In a series of viral clips shared online, Professor Pittman can be observed engagingly waking up various students by singing classic emo anthems. In one video, Pittman serenades a front-row sleeper with “Fall for You” by Secondhand Serenade. Not only does he perform the song, but the professor dramatically sweeps his hair in front of his face to mimic the iconic emo hairstyle that was all the rage in the early 2000s.

In another clip, Pittman chooses Green Day’s “Basket Case” to humorously awaken a slumbering student, spotlighting the lyrics, “Do you have the time to listen to me whine?” The ironic lyric choice paired with the professor’s lively demeanor creates a hilarious moment. The most theatrical performance yet features Pittman using a megaphone to deliver Blink-182’s “I Miss You” to a startled student, prompting cheers and laughter from the rest of the class.

Rather than feeling upset or perplexed by these spontaneous performances, students and online viewers have reacted positively. One student even remarked, “That was cute!” as Pittman seamlessly transitioned back into his lecture material. Many of his social media followers commend how smoothly he incorporates these instances into his teaching, although Pittman himself has humorously acknowledged that he sometimes loses his train of thought amidst the fun.

#### Beyond Gimmicks: Who is Matthew Pittman?

Pittman’s eclectic and spontaneous teaching style has garnered him a devoted following, but his qualifications go far beyond his performance talents. As a professor specializing in social media strategies, eco-friendly advertising, and sustainability initiatives, Pittman contributes a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. He not only strives to educate his students but also to connect with them on a deeper level, making lessons relatable and unforgettable within the modern cultural context.

His incorporation of nostalgic emo and pop-punk tunes isn’t merely a whimsical gimmick. Pittman intentionally taps into the music of the early 2000s—an era that resonates profoundly with millennials and older Gen Z students—evoking memories of their developmental years while also cultivating a relaxed and inclusive classroom atmosphere.

#### Social Media Reactions: “He’s Not Just a Professor… He’s an EDUCATOR.”

It comes as no surprise that Pittman’s videos rapidly gained traction across TikTok and Instagram, with users considering him to be more than just a college professor. “He’s not just a professor… he’s an EDUCATOR,” one commenter noted, emphasizing the meaningful connection Pittman has forged with his students. Another viewer humorously stated, “One may wear a suit, but the elder emo heart never dies,” reflecting the connection many social media users feel towards the professor’s nostalgic antics.

Pittman’s approach has received both admiration and amusement, with viral clips continuing to proliferate online. The popularity of these videos highlights not only the effectiveness of humor in education but also demonstrates how engaging teaching techniques can resonate with a wider audience.

#### Professor Pittman’s Musical Classroom: More Than Just Emo Songs

While his emo wake-up calls may have garnered the most online attention, they are far from the only musical strategies Pittman has employed to keep his students engaged. On Instagram and TikTok, videos have also emerged of Pittman offering his students the chance to exit class accompanied by the sounds of 90s hip-hop, further solidifying his passion for integrating pop culture into his teaching.

Clever classroom incentives are another hallmark of Pittman’s teaching style. In one amusing Instagram post, he presented students with the option of either doing a 15-second dance or tackling a daunting 15,000-word paper—though it remains unclear how many brave individuals chose the word-count option! Regardless of their choice, the proposal emphasizes Pittman’s commitment to fostering an enjoyable and dynamic classroom experience.