New faculty member hired in Music Education
Dr. Amy Spears will join the School of Music faculty beginning in the fall semester as an Assistant Professor of Music Education.
Dr. Spears holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Arizona State University. Her dissertation, “Facilitating High School Band Students’ Aural Learning Through Informal, Student-Centered Practices,” relates to culturally responsive teaching and development of student musicianship. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Flute Performance from the University of Alabama.
Spears has extensive collegiate-level teaching experience, including courses in instrumental methods, social justice, conducting and rock band. She also spent seven years teaching middle and high school bands in Alabama and Arizona.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Spears to the School of Music faculty at Fredonia," said Dr. Christian Bernhard, who is head of Music Education. "With a wealth of K-12 and collegiate teaching experience, she is already well known and respected in professional circles. Dr. Spears is a thoughtful and engaging teacher, scholar, and musician who balances creative new directions with respect for tradition, including recent research studies in the United Kingdom, Ghana and Rwanda. We look forward to Dr. Spears' collaborations with our faculty, community and Music Education majors!"
School of Music Dean David Stringham added, “Fredonia is known within and beyond New York State for its commitment to nurturing future music educators. As an experienced practitioner and an active scholar, Dr. Spears is well positioned to join our faculty in educating, challenging, and inspiring students as they prepare to serve in a rapidly-changing world."
