Leah Dunphey

Music Education student Leah Dunphey named to state’s Future Educator Honor Roll

Colorado State University Music Education major Leah Dunphey (‘FA24 anticipated graduation) was one of two CSU students named to the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s 2024 Future Educator Honor Roll. According to the department’s website, the sixth annual Future Educator Honor Roll celebrated 66 outstanding teacher candidates from Colorado’s educator preparation programs. (cdhe.colorado.gov) “Leah is among […]


Dr. Christopher Bloom is CSU’s new tuba professor

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance welcomes Dr. Christopher Bloom to Colorado State University as our new instructor of Tuba and Euphonium. Dr. Bloom comes to CSU from Florida State University and recently completed his D.M.A. in Tuba Performance. While at FSU, he taught undergraduate tuba majors, coached chamber music, and conducted the undergraduate […]


Janet Morrow King

In Memory: Janet Ebba Morrow King

The CSU Department of Music is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Emeritus Professor Janet Morrow King. Her husband, David King, called to share her obituary with us today. Janet Morrow King died of a terminal disease on June 17, 2024. She left behind a life of singing for others, educating young singers, […]


CSU Music student at Spur

Recent graduate Paul Beyer reflects on his first year teaching music

Recent graduate Paul Beyer reflects on his first year teaching music We recently connected with Paul Beyer, who graduated from CSU with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2023. Paul reflected on his first year teaching elementary and middle school music in Colorado. Tell us a little about your job–where you teach, the […]


Phuong Nguyen headshot

Phuong Nguyen has built a classroom culture around high standards and making music fun

Phuong Nguyen has built a classroom culture around high standards and making music fun Dai-Phuong Nguyen (B.M.E. ’01, M.M.E. ’08) is a perfectionist as a performer of multiple instruments and genres and a music educator. He has created a classroom environment that balances high standards, curiosity, and interactive play. His range of musical interests is […]


Denver West High School

Hollie Ryckman embraces multiple cultures and student-led approaches in her Denver classroom

Hollie Ryckman embraces multiple cultures and student-led approaches in her Denver classroom Hollie Ryckman, M.M. in Music Education ’20 Many CSU music education graduates expand upon normalized approaches to music pedagogy to accommodate their students’ needs and interests. Denver music teacher Hollie Ryckman is part of this transformative movement. Ryckman’s teaching philosophy embodies a belief […]


Jana Webster Wheeler

Jana Webster-Wheeler’s experiences were a catalyst for teaching music and more

Jana Webster-Wheeler’s experiences were a catalyst for teaching music and more Jana Webster-Wheeler in her music classroom at Webber Middle School in Fort Collins, Colorado. As a woman with a rich history who has turned her trauma into a wellspring of wisdom, Jana Webster-Wheeler, B.M.E. ’00, has used her difficult experiences to teach so much […]


2024 SMTD Wellness Week Promotional Flyer Pictured

School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Host 2024 Inaugural Wellness Week

The School of Music Theatre and Dance hosted an inaugural Wellness Week, April 8th – 12th. Hosted by SMTD’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) committee, this week-long event included a plethora of activities designed to increase mindfulness, self-care, and community building. Staff, students, faculty, and community partners collaborated to provide opportunities for discussion, reflection, and […]


Promotional Photo for Hannah Steward CSU Music Major

Music major Hannah Steward accepted to National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute

Hannah Steward, a Colorado State University first-year trombone performance major, was one of sixty exceptional young musicians accepted to the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute. Steward was excited to see her selection email from The Kennedy Center, especially given the large number of applicants. “Dr. Leslie made a difference just encouraging me to […]


Colorado State University Center for the Arts Exterior

CSU Music Education Alums and Family Treated to Mozart’s Masterpiece

CSU Music Education alums and family were treated to a reception and matinee performance by the Colorado Symphony and Colorado Symphony Chorus at Boettcher Concert Hall on Sunday, March 24. Peter Oundjian conducted W.A. Mozart’s final and greatest masterpiece, Requiem Mass. A principal conductor with an international career, Oundjian has led orchestras in major musical […]