Tristan Blankenship

Education
Bachelor of Music Education—Susquehanna University
Master of Music Education—University of Oklahoma
Master of Music, Wind Conducting—Temple University

What were you doing prior to Penn State?
Teaching middle school band in Norman, OK.

What factors influenced your decision to pursue this degree?
I have always had an interest in helping develop preservice music teachers and research and respond to issues that involved new teachers and experienced teachers’ mentorship and professional development.

Why Penn State?
Penn State has a great collection of faculty whose research interests me greatly, they are great mentors and support me as a scholar and future colleague.

What is unique about the Penn State graduate music education program
Penn State offers financial support for graduate music education students’ research. These donor funds have made it possible for me to attend many conferences and network with researchers that I may not have been able to do elsewhere.

What do you do to relax and have fun outside of the graduate program?
I am an avid woodworker and furniture builder. I also enjoy cycling and gravel riding.

What advice do you have for prospective students regarding the application process?
Be sure to share your future plans and interests with faculty. You should feel an interest and support for your goals.

What tips do you have for being successful in the program?
Plan to have an outlet that takes you away from work. Time to decompress and process will help keep you task and goal-oriented and help you with fresh thoughts.

Biography
Tristan Blankenship is currently an ABD–Ph.D. Candidate at Penn State University. Before starting at PSU Tristan spent time teaching in many areas within music education. Tristan spent the majority of his career as a high school band director but has also taught Middle School Band and Choir, Musical Theatre, Music Production, Popular Music classes, and Music appreciation classes. Tristan has spent time growing instrumental programs in PA, NJ, and OK. His bands are known for their top achievements at state festivals and contests. Currently at Penn State, he teaches Music and Recording Technology for Music Educators. Tristan has studied Wind Conducting with Dr. Eric Hinton, Dr. Bradley Genevro, Dr. Patricia Cornett, and Dr. William Wakefield, and conducted music education research under Dr. Christopher Baumgartner and Dr. Linda Thornton. Tristan is a member of NAfME, PAS, JEN, CBDNA, IMTE, and SMTE where he helps with the Teacher Professional Development, Teacher Mentoring, and Policy ASPAs.