Task Force Chair

“When I teach theory or ear-training classes, I often start by saying ‘you'll use these skills every day of your life.’ If I'm serious about that, I should be teaching everyone, regardless of their background, a set of skills that will enable them to make music in a variety of settings and scenarios, and the only way to do that is by 1) making sure I am actually teaching everyone in my classroom or studio, meeting them where they are, and 2) using musical materials that reflect a diversity of musical styles, origins and perspectives. That's my definition of antiracist music teaching.”

“As an alumnus of Luther, it was a well overdue wake up call to learn not everyone on campus feels welcome, included, and equally valued. Returning as a faculty member, I am here to take action and challenge this place to be the best it can be.”

“For years, our country has had to come to terms with racially charged incidents, but the especially charged events of Summer 2020 compelled many to understand their previously unchecked privilege and unconscious bias. Through that lens, I feel called to a renewed understanding of how we learn, teach, perform, interpret, and evolve as a close-knit community of 21st century musicians.”

“My desire to serve on the Anti-racism Task Force stems from my work as a music teacher educator.  School music culture has long been focused on exclusivity and Western European ideals. Culturally responsive pedagogy requires the expansion of musical styles being studied and the invitation of more students into music classrooms.  We must innovate, breaking down barriers that have for far too long marginalized people on the basis of race, ethnicity, and skin color. There is no better time for this transformation than NOW."

“I am a music education student, and it is important to me that the education I give my students and the education that I receive is not bound by our typical Eurocentric ideas of music. Through my work on the Antiracism Task Force, I hope to help work to bring the Luther music department towards those ideas and to ensure that everyone gets to learn in an environment where they feel seen.” 

"As a black student at a predominantly white institution, it is important to me that the institution, and the department that I study in, is willing to show that it cares about and wants to listen to the BIPOC students who have chosen to make this place their home."