Empower the Undergraduate

Abstract

Empowering all undergraduate music majors to go outside of their comfort zone with activities such as research and self-discovery will only help to sustain the field of music theory with strong, competent, thoughtful leaders. Today’s undergraduate students are motivated by a multitude of factors, including peers, effective classroom environments, parents, faculty, and knowing that what they are learning is applicable to a future career in music. Effective instructors motivate by teaching all students how to apply their academic studies to everyday musical experiences and seek to understand how they can evolve as the landscape of musical careers changes. These instructors continually share their musical excitement with their classes and challenge students to ask questions and become independent thinkers. Opportunities such as undergraduate research, teaching opportunities on the undergraduate level, and independent mentoring play a pivotal role in the undergraduate student’s journey.