Director of School of Music at Middle TN State University. I love conversations about pedagogy and am committed to work/life balance.
Nashville, TN
Joined October 2011
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It’s been 3 years since Contemporary musicianship, 2nd ed. was released . There’s several typos and errors I want to fix immediately for a reprint. If you are an adopter, I would love to know what you have found. [email protected] #makeitright
Thirteen months ago I embarked on a whole new journey as a director for a growing School of Music. I have kept a list of all the things that have worked for me and also some of the realities. This is that list. insidehighered.com/opinion/c…
I’m finishing up my 1st year as a director of a growing School of Music. I’m writing for @insidehighered about what I’ve learned, but for now I have 1 thing. Gaining trust from your faculty takes time and listening. When you have that gift of trust, the rest falls into place.
It’s not easy and there are hard conversations, but trust and respect go a very long way. I’m so grateful to be in this role and learning every day. #somuchreflection
These next few weeks are difficult for academia….for students, faculty, and administrators. Practice kindness. Hold the line. Say thank you. Say you are sorry. Give some praise. Accept some praise. Be quiet and listen. Speak up and share your thoughts. #comeonmay
Jennifer snodgrass retweeted
Today Cody Fry's music video for "I Hear a Symphony" will premiere on VEVO/Youtube. Cody asked the Lipscomb Chamber Orchestra and alumni, and Prof. Ben Blasko (trumpet), Prof. Simon Yeh (Bass Clarinet), and Prof. Neil Konouchi (tuba) to be the orchestra for this video. So cool!
To all my former students looking for grad programs or an academic job. To the junior faculty who constantly encourage me to reevaluate what matters. I know the next 2-3 months are so hard. I hear and see you. Here’s my love letter from a year ago. insidehighered.com/advice/20…
What I’ve learned in my 6 months as a new director of a School of Music;
1. Listen to your faculty and when you think you’ve listened enough, listen some more 2. Teach at least one class so you understand your student population (plus it’s good for you)
9. Champion successes of your faculty and students. Make those public as soon as possible to others on campus.
7. You set the tone in your department. This includes work/life balance but also overall attitude. 8. Sometimes walking to the registrar or financial aid or HR is more productive than an email. This was a game changer is so many situations
5. Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Find a mentor you trust, one on and one away from your campus. Hire a trainer on campus who keeps you accountable.
3. If you make a promise, follow through. If you say you will try to make it happen, keep everyone up to date on the process 4. Know your adjunct faculty by name and what talents bring to your school. Validate them every chance you get
So many people have asked why I left my previous position for Lipscomb. It really comes down to being so sure of what I wanted for my life. Here’s my story. #lipscomb #schoolofmusic insidehighered.com/advice/20…
Yes yes to the Lipscomb School of Music string students who spent the day laying down tracks at the historic Sound Emporium recording studio. I’m so proud of my students and grateful to my colleagues who help make these moments happen.#lipscombschoolofmusic #nashvillelife
Searching for a dynamic choral director and educator. Review of applications begins next week! This is an incredible place to work and live and the School of Music is thriving. Come work with me at Lipscomb! Happy to answer questions. #choral higheredjobs.com/faculty/det…
To the graduate student who came up to me at the conference and said “you are such a real person”….you made my week.
So many people have reached out asking how and why I left my previous academic position. My story was just picked up by @insidehighered so look for that in the next month. It’s a story of purpose and figuring out where I could make an impact. #knowyourwhy #pursuingjoy #opendoor