For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved music and I’ve loved teaching. Getting to pass those passions on to other educators is such a positive aspect of my job.
Assistant Professor, Choral Music Education
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved music and I’ve loved teaching. Getting to pass those passions on to other educators is such a positive aspect of my job. From being a leader in my choir to being a professor in music education, I’ve always known that this is what I’ve wanted to do.
I received my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin and my Master’s degree at Missouri State University. I received my PhD at the University of Texas at Austin, as well. Before coming to UGA, I completed three years as an assistant professor and Music Education coordinator at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.
Much of my experience in education has been gained by teaching for 14 years in middle school and high school choirs. In the first 14 years of my teaching career, I directed middle school and high school choir programs in Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee, earning superior and excellent ratings consistently at competitions. It was during this time that I was honored with the McNairy County Board of Education Teacher of the Year award in 2007.
Offering a way for our teachers in schools to still take coursework and get better as teachers is vital for the education of others. It’s intriguing to see the process of change and growth in students, and that’s why I love to teach.
I’m really interested in continuing my pursuits in research about music and learning in general and the cognitive processes behind those. I am drawn to research questions that pertain to the development of performance skills and the refinement of pedagogy. My current research focuses on the effects of attention on vocal tone quality. I enjoy conducting honors choirs and I’d like to continue being involved in that. Additionally, I would like to become more internationally recognized in research and conducting through opportunities here at UGA.
Learn more about Rebecca Atkins.