BM Music Performance ’17
I am currently a graduate student at McGill University projected to graduate in Spring 2026. My daily life currently consists of writing my dissertation and teaching undergraduate music theory classes. My dissertation is the first large-scale study interrogating critical pedagogy in the music theory context. I draw from research grounded in critical theory and feminist pedagogies to encourage a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive music theory classroom. I carry all of my research to the classrooms I step into—I want every one of my students to leave their music theory courses with ownership over their gained knowledge, greater understanding of how to apply music theory to all areas of their musical lives, and, above all, critically think about how music courses might perpetuate social injustices. My research has brought me all over the United States and Canada as I get to travel and present my academic papers for regional and national conferences. After leaving Keene State College, I enrolled in a master’s program in Music Theory at Boston University where I fell in love with academic music theoretical writing and analytical techniques. Following my graduation, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and I found myself teaching a few music theory courses at Keene State College to an amazing group of undergraduate students that welcomed a young teacher with warmth and respect. My instructorships at Keene State propelled me to begin my doctoral work at McGill University and directed my research path to social justice pedagogies and how they interact within the music theory classroom.
My education at Keene State College is one that I look back on fondly in comparison to the other two universities that I have since been matriculated into. Not only did Keene provided me with an incredible base of knowledge to bring into graduate programs, but the classroom environments were always filled with compassionate and welcoming teachers. It is because of Keene State that I work towards forming connections with each of my students now—my education would have never been as strong without these close bonds I make with faculty members.
Heather Gilligan is one of the most influential mentors I have had in my academic career. Her passion, dedication, and excitement for each course she teaches is infectious. In my third year she encouraged me to take her upper-level music theory course “Analytical Techniques.” While I always enjoyed my music theory courses, I was not convinced this was the right class for me as I thought of myself as a “performance major and not a composer.” I still vividly remember most class meeting of that course and specifically an analysis assignment of Franck’s Violin Sonata. That assignment honestly changed my career trajectory—it challenged my analytical chops and opened my eyes to the possibility of a graduate degree in music theory. I cannot thank Heather enough for pushing me to take this course and continually supporting me through my career path.
When I was in my undergraduate studies, I thought that a career in music could only be performance or teaching K-12 schools. Even though I hold a degree in piano performance, my music career has blossomed into something much different than I imagined. My biggest piece of advice is to find what part of music excites you the most—whether it be performance, teaching, analyzing, researching, or conducting—find that inspiration and follow it!
BM Music Composition & BM Music Technology ’19
“I work full-time as the Production manager at the Longy School of Music, where I apply my Audio/Visual and Music Technology knowledge for a variety of on-campus performances and events. I supervise and train a team of graduate student on-campus employees to set up and operating live audio equipment, livestreaming video capture and general concert equipment/materials for recitals, class performances, and partner music organization’s events on campus. I also hold a variety of part-time positions including being an A/V specialist at Saint Cecilia Parish, and Audio Engineer for the Regattabar in Harvard Square and The Blue Man Group, and as of recently began teaching as an Assistant Professor for Berklee College of Music’s Live Sound Minor. After having gotten my Dual Bachelors degree from Keene State College, I was set up for success to pursue my Masters Degree at Boston University in Music Theory and teach Aural Skills as a TA for the school. While completing my thesis, I was actively teaching independent music lessons over zoom and took on a part-time position at Harvard providing A/V services for classrooms and on-campus concerts. I have only continued to apply my skills in A/V, Audio Engineering, and Music in the Boston area, and I strive to continue taking on exciting opportunities that develop my musicianship and connect me with more musicians in the industry.
Both the Bachelors in Music Technology and Music Composition set me up for success when searching for work, school and other opportunities where I can apply my skills. Music Technology has been nothing short of an everyday application at my jobs, independent practices and collaborations with other musicians. Having knowledge of audio engineering and production, I believe, is an essential to modern day music applications and I feel lucky to have studied it at Keene where I was still grasping my place in the music world. I also have to thank Technology Team and my time working with them on campus as they were my first introduction to live-event operations and management. The Composition Department at Keene granted me the opportunity to explore my voice as a composer and delve deeper into complex music theory topics, which guided me into my Masters in Music Theory immediately after graduation. Every once in awhile, I take on a performance or wedding opportunity where I can arrange or write music for our ensembles and perform, often times with my cello. And my involvement with NAfME and Tutoring during my time at Keene developed a strong appreciation and confidence when teaching. I have been able to teach Aural Skills courses, independent music lessons, and explore more education conferences thanks to the teaching opportunities and materials Keene gave me. I now am pursuing a second Masters in Music Education at the Longy School of Music in efforts to develop a more professional teaching voice and hope to eventually be involved in NAfME once again!
This is not an easy answer for me, as so many classes open doors for me in my musical career. String Ensemble and Orchestra showed me music that i had never considered and continue to listen to on my every-day commutes, and one way or another I have applied material that was learned in each of my classes ever since I have graduated. I can say that the composition seminars, specifically Analytical techniques with Dr. Heather Gilligan and 20th Century Music with Dr. Joseph Darby were two classes that helped me showed me more in-depth analytical approaches to music and challenged my writing, building me to be a more professional scholar. Each week, those classes revealed a new topic to me that would only make me ask for more, paving a path for me to continue exploring on my own. However, a story I also share was the first class I took at Keene, “Music Cultures of the World.” where on my very first day of college, first day in the class, we were reviewing the syllabus and the professor explained that the music majors in the course have to teach a 15-minute lesson plan to the class by the end of the semester, following up with “If you are going to go in to music, one way or another you will have to teach.” Although this assignment made me nervous at the time, as I had never taught and felt a fear of teaching in front of a class, I also felt that his advice wasnt true and that I could make way with never having to teach in my career. Today, teaching has proven to be one of the most essential and consistently applied skills I have used in my work, and has only helped me understand the work I do even better. It was actually the best advice I could have been given on my first day of college.
EXPLORE, there may be one field in the music world that you like, but keep an open mind and find value in any humility or a fresh start as you may find something you’ll want to keep for the rest of your career. CONNECT, people underestimate how meaningful it is to collaborate and meet other individuals in the field. They can teach you, motivate you, and expose you to new things which will also help you better understand your own voice amongst the crowd. I believe connecting with others is one of the best ways we can apply ourselves as musicians. LISTEN, just keep listening. Whether its to new music, other peoples advice or ideas, contradictory thoughts or opinions, or to yourself, it never hurts to listen and develop your own thoughts through exposure to what the world has to say. It arguably could be the best skill that we are taught as musicians.”
BM Music Education ’18
“I am currently in my 4th year of being the 6-12 choral director at Moultonborough Academy where I teach 6-12 Chorus, 6th Grade General Music, HS Studio and Digital Recording, and HS Piano. I spent the first 3 years of my teaching career on the western side of NH teaching a range of 6-12 Chorus, HS Band, MS General Music, Piano and Guitar. I stayed a member of both New Hampshire Music Educator’s Association and New Hampshire American Choral Director’s Association where I currently serve as the NHMEA Large Group Chairperson and NHACDA President-Elect.
My studies at KSC prepared me with a quality and sustainable education that instilled in me the importance of music education for music educations sake. The professors inspired and motivated us while also being straight forward about the time commitment that our jobs would take and the walls we could come up against in our field. We attended conferences, got to hear and learn from other working professionals, and had real life experiences between our practicum, student teaching, and performance assignments.
Dr. Sandra Howard was my biggest influence during my time at Keene State College. I admired her ability to have strong and consistent leadership leadership for students and staff, while also modeling passion, advocacy, and empathy. We have grown to be colleagues and work together in several professional groups. We recently presented a session at the 2024 ACDA Eastern Conference together.
If you truly feel that music education is the right career path for you, make sure to persevere. It is so rewarding and not everyone gets to do what they love for work every single day. Embrace mistakes and learn from them. Don’t forget when you do starting teaching that you are working with brilliant young humans who all deserve love and support.
I am so proud of my education at Keene State College and I am thankful for the opportunities that I have been given since graduating.”