PUBLICATIONS
I write to amplify the voices of those often overlooked—to bring visibility to the experiences of young musicians, teachers of color, and communities whose stories deserve to guide the evolution of music education.
I write to amplify the voices of those often overlooked. To bring visibility to the experiences of young musicians, teachers of color, and communities whose stories deserve to guide the evolution of music education.
MY BOOK
MY BOOK
This innovative volume explores the potential of alternative seating practices (ASP) to revolutionize orchestral music teaching in US schools and beyond by improving musicians’ social and musical experiences, including peer mentorship. Challenging traditional hierarchical seating structures and drawing on longitudinal research and autoethnographic data, it explores the benefits of alternative seating practices on student learning, well-being, and overall musical performance. Rooted in critical discussion of the importance of social justice in music education, it describes new strategies for culturally responsive pedagogies and examines how educators and conductors can create a cohesive and collaborative orchestra guided by the principles of ethnic studies, while valuing and celebrating diversity among the members. It will be of interest to academics, scholars, and educators in music education and pedagogy, social justice education, and race and ethnic studies.
This innovative volume explores the potential of alternative seating practices (ASP) to revolutionize orchestral music teaching in US schools and beyond by improving musicians’ social and musical experiences, including peer mentorship. Challenging traditional hierarchical seating structures and drawing on longitudinal research and autoethnographic data, it explores the benefits of alternative seating practices on student learning, well-being, and overall musical performance. Rooted in critical discussion of the importance of social justice in music education, it describes new strategies for culturally responsive pedagogies and examines how educators and conductors can create a cohesive and collaborative orchestra guided by the principles of ethnic studies, while valuing and celebrating diversity among the members. It will be of interest to academics, scholars, and educators in music education and pedagogy, social justice education, and race and ethnic studies.
This innovative volume explores the potential of alternative seating practices (ASP) to revolutionize orchestral music teaching in US schools and beyond by improving musicians’ social and musical experiences, including peer mentorship. Challenging traditional hierarchical seating structures and drawing on longitudinal research and autoethnographic data, it explores the benefits of alternative seating practices on student learning, well-being, and overall musical performance. Rooted in critical discussion of the importance of social justice in music education, it describes new strategies for culturally responsive pedagogies and examines how educators and conductors can create a cohesive and collaborative orchestra guided by the principles of ethnic studies, while valuing and celebrating diversity among the members. It will be of interest to academics, scholars, and educators in music education and pedagogy, social justice education, and race and ethnic studies.
PUBLICATIONS
Challenges and Potential of a Diverse Music Teaching Force: A Review of Literature
2023
Alternative Seating Practices: Pedagogy of the Back of the Orchestra
2022
Teachers as Artistic Directors: A Praxis for a Community Responsive Music Pedagogy
2024
Confronting Racial Trauma in the Music Classroom: A Call to Action
2022
All About that Bass, No Treble: Shapeshifting from Violin to Double Bass
2022
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy for the Orchestra: Untold Stories of Seating Oppression and the Uprise of Social Justice
2025
Spaces and Facets of Trust for Secondary School LGBTQ+ Music Students
2022
Seniors Take the Lead!
2018
Beyond Borders: Mariachi Music as a Community Responsiveness Ensemble
2018
Back of the Orchestra: High School Students Experiences With Alternative Seating Practices
2018
Scholarship Rooted in Community
As artists, educators, scholars, and musicians, we hold a responsibility that extends far beyond performance or publication. Every idea we research, every paper we write, and every piece of music we cultivate emerges from the lives, cultures, and communities that shape our work. Scholarship is not an abstract pursuit—it is an act of love.
To publish is to amplify voices.
To research is to honor lived experience.
To teach is to share knowledge as a form of care.
When we step onto the podium, into a classroom, or into the pages of academic inquiry, we are entrusted with the task of nurturing curiosity, advancing understanding, and deepening our collective humanity. Our work must reflect the people who inspire it, remain accountable to the communities it touches, and strive to create pathways for others to be heard, seen, and celebrated.
In this way, scholarship is not just what we produce. It is how we serve.
Scholarship Rooted in Community
As artists, educators, scholars, and musicians, we hold a responsibility that extends far beyond performance or publication. Every idea we research, every paper we write, and every piece of music we cultivate emerges from the lives, cultures, and communities that shape our work. Scholarship is not an abstract pursuit—it is an act of service.
To publish is to amplify voices.
To research is to honor lived experience.
To teach is to share knowledge as a form of care.
When we step onto the podium, into a classroom, or into the pages of academic inquiry, we are entrusted with the task of nurturing curiosity, advancing understanding, and deepening our collective humanity. Our work must reflect the people who inspire it, remain accountable to the communities it touches, and strive to create pathways for others to be heard, seen, and celebrated.
In this way, scholarship is not just what we produce. It is how we serve.