Why did you choose the USC School of Music?
It was a great fit for me, and the faculty were welcoming, caring, and supported me as I learned.
What person, course or experience was most influential for you while at the School of Music?
Several come to mind: Charles Elliott, William Moody, Dick Goodwin, and Wendy Valerio.
How has your education at the USC School of Music helped you in your life and career?
USC School of Music helped me to better understand the charge, challenge, and choice of higher education. Public higher education is a privilege we must not take for granted. Support it, strengthen it, and make sure it's available for generations to come.
What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors or activities while attending the School of Music?
Two come to mind . . . Dick Goodwin's encouragement during composition lessons, as well as the humor of Bill Moody as my dissertation advisor. Both gentlemen led with dignity and respect, carefully guiding me from where I began to where they believed I could succeed.
What advice would you give current students or recent graduates pursuing a music performance or music education career?
Education is a gift, not just for you as you earn a degree, but something you should share with the masses to make lives of those you teach better. Gaining knowledge for self does little to improve the lives of others. Challenge yourself to share what you've learned with other learners. And, make the necessary changes in American education to improve what we learn, how we learn, and to correct the mistakes we have learned.
What is one of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from the School of Music in which your education played a role?
Through the guidance of my dissertation advisor Bill Moody, preparing for a conference presentation and having my first article published.
Our Music Education program prepares the music instructors of tomorrow by offering training in performance, teaching, leadership, and research. Our program specializes in music teacher education for early childhood/elementary, choral, strings, and winds/percussion instruction, while also providing leadership opportunities through initiatives like the Children’s Music Development Center, the Choirs of Carolina Mentoring Initiative, the Congaree New Horizons Band Program, and the USC String Project. Students engage in diverse research and creative activities, equipping them to shape the future of music education. To learn more click here!