Kay Piña
Education
Bachelor of Arts— Texas State University
Master of Music— University of Texas at San Antonio\
What were you doing prior to Penn State?
Teaching General Music 5-6 and conducting 6th grade choir.
What factors influenced your decision to pursue this degree?
I have always been interested in teacher training issues and research. When an opporunity arose to pursue these interests I took it.
Why Penn State?
Faculty, and support.
What is unique about the Penn State graduate music education program?
Support from faculty.
What do you do to relax and have fun outside of the graduate program?
Cook, walk the dog, read.
What advice do you have for prospective students regarding the application process?
A good fit is key to success in any program.
What tips do you have for being successful in the program?
Remember everyone in the program has different goals than you, and your progress will likely look different from everyone else’s.
Biography
Kay Piña is currently a PhD student at Pennsylvania State University. Before moving to State College, Kay was teaching general music to 5th and 6th graders, and 6th grade choir at Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, a school district outside of San Antonio, TX. Kay also spent time teaching elementary music grades K-6 at David Crockett Elementary, now David Crockett Academy, in San Antonio ISD. Kay completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music at Texas State University in San Marcos, and received her Master of Music degree while studying at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
While at UTSA Kay completed her Dalcroze Eurhythmics Certification under Drs. Marla Butke and David Frego. Since teaching in school districts in the San Antonio area, Kay has completed Levels 1 and 2 in Kodály, and Level 1 Orff. Kay is a “Master Teaching Artist” for the American Eurhythmics Society and is the current Vice President of the American Eurhythmics Society.