Where you can go...

The opportunity to complete course work in a specialized cognate in addition to my music education course work was the primary reason for my decision to attend Penn State. That, combined with the outstanding faculty made my decision clear.

It was the most difficult thing that I’ve ever undertaken, but also the most rewarding.

It gave me new insights into music education and helped me to answer nagging questions that I never knew I had.

One word: Inspiring.

We did a project as doctoral students one semester where we were asked to find a job that we really felt ready for, and prepare all of the materials needed to apply for said job, even doing mock interviews. I felt horrible at first, and woefully unqualified. My initial job search after graduating was frustrating at first, but I managed to land a job in higher education after passing my dissertation defense. It was a less than ideal situation for me and a less than ideal position. The experience I gained at Penn State had made me ready for that first job. The experience I gained at that job readied me for my position at the Crane School of Music, which is, in many respects, my dream job.

Still at the Crane School of Music, but (fingers crossed) I will have achieved a promotion to associate professor.

You’ve got to really WANT to do it. You’ve got to know up front that it will be difficult and frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming. BUT, the experience is worth it. Penn State’s doctoral program in music education allows certain freedoms other programs don’t—the personalized cognate, the opportunity to work with studio faculty—I took cello lessons and course work in string pedagogy in addition to my cognate in the sociology of American schools. Extra course work of your choice means it’s not the Fastest way to get a doctorate, but when you finish the degree, you have an array of experiences that most newly minted Ph.D.’s don’t have. This will set you apart in the job market.

Connections made with others that I might never have met, either in the music education department, in the school of music or across campus, and even across the CIC. Connections have led to opportunities for growth, discovery, creativity, performance, and teaching that I might never have had otherwise.

As often as possible, say YES when asked to try something new and outside of your comfort zone. Volunteer! Get involved! Explore the many and varied resources available, and find the wonderful and weird things that Penn State has to offer. Find the shrunken heads.

I worked to establish string programs in the public schools in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Syracuse New York and worked with the National String Project to provide string instruction in rural upstate New York. I served for four years on the faculty of the University of Arkansas and am presently on the faculty at the Crane School of Music in a tenure track position, teaching courses for undergraduate and graduate students and supervising student teachers. I’ve served on graduate affairs committees at the college and university levels, and taken up leadership positions at the college level, and taken on the role of faculty advisor for the school’s chapter of Phi Mu Alpha. I have presented at state and national conferences and served as a clinician for school orchestras, all-county, and all-state orchestras. I’ve become part of a string quartet, played in numerous symphonies on cello and violin, performed on world premiers of chamber works. I’ve played with musicians from China and gypsy jazz bands from Serbia. I also whittle and carve wood, and have been working on restoring a lovely big old Victorian home in upstate NY.

My masters study on K-12 mentoring programs in West Virginia was selected for presentation at the Thompson Symposium at Penn State. I attended, met faculty and students, explored the campus and State College, and was nudged by my masters advisor (a very proud PSU alum) to apply. I had another visit to sit in on classes and talk with students and faculty, some who had research interests similar to mine. I liked everything about everything, so I applied.

Different than expected, but meaningful in ways I cannot describe in a sentence or two. I reflect on my experiences often as I continue developing as a music teacher educator and researcher.

It gave me many opportunities to combine theory, practice, and reflection. It reminded me that it’s OK to not know, to question, and the importance of honoring students’ individuality, expertise, and experiences.

A diverse group of individuals with a variety of professional and personal interests and passions that kept classes and seminars interesting and thought-provoking.

The semester in doc seminar we spent focused on the job search was so helpful. We had to “apply” for a job we were qualified for based on what was open that semester, prepare all materials required, then have a mock interview with other students as the search committee. It was a humbling and invaluable learning experience that guided me (along with faculty) when it came time to apply for real.

Tenured in a university job I love, publishing and presenting work that helps move the profession forward in innovative ways, especially in music teacher mentoring and professional development. All while still watching the Golden Girls, adding to my Golden Girls memorabilia collection, improving my baking skills, fostering (and foster-failing) cats and dogs, and pretending I’m all-around crafty.

Spend a considerable amount of time visiting campus, sitting in on undergraduate and graduate classes, talking with faculty and current graduate and undergraduate students. Consider cognate areas outside of research you may explore and see about meeting with those faculty too. I wasn’t sure exactly what my cognate would be when I started, but I’m so grateful for my experiences with faculty and grad students in the College of Education. Make sure you connect with people in meaningful ways. Trust your gut.

The support (financial and academic) we received for conference travel to disseminate our work, network, and professionally develop. Also, freedom in choosing a cognate and those courses (as long as we could justify them); the program’s structure, especially the way comprehensive exams worked; and the option to choose a one or three study dissertation. As an added bonus I loved having the library so close to the music building which made it easy to grab a resource quickly when needed.

Get outside of the music building as much as possible. Attend campus events, get to know grad students in other majors, volunteer somewhere. I was involved with the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and volunteered at Centre County PAWS where I fostered over 50 kittens, all placed in forever homes (2 with PSU kicker Sam Ficken who went to the NFL). Network. Take advantage of funding opportunities and go to conferences. Network some more. I loved being part of the BTAA. My best professional friends are mainly from BTAA schools because we had the chance to see each other in person each year and stayed in contact between conferences. Maintain personal interests and goals too.

The year I was writing my dissertation I co-directed the first and only New Horizons Band in the state of West Virginia. At UTRGV I was awarded a $10,000 grant to start a New Horizons Band in the Rio Grande Valley (Texas).