Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps, Music Educator, and Podcaster

Fellow Mizzou grad, and my dear friend, Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps joins the show to discuss her passion for teaching, shares some amazing book recs, discusses the power of music education, and more for Music Appreciation month on the podcast.

Books mentioned in the episode:
Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words by David Whyte.
From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars by Virginia Hanlon Grohl.

Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps cultivated a unique perspective for the importance of a foundation in fine arts appreciation and skills through her journey as music teacher educator, public school music educator, choral and instrumental performer, church musician, and independent music studio instructor. She has a breadth and depth of experience teaching music courses and working with students of all ages. Whether students are preparing for careers outside the music profession, within music education and performance, or developing an appreciation for music, acquiring practical music skills are essential to their success.

Cynthia Williams Phelps holds a Ph.D. in Music Education, with an emphasis in learning, teaching, and curriculum, from the University of Missouri. Throughout her academic and professional career, she attended and taught in private liberal arts colleges, as well as research universities. Dr. Phelps understands the importance of creating community within the classroom and ensemble settings. Reflective practice and student-centered learning guide her philosophy of teaching. A music environment in which students have engaging opportunities to actively reflect on their educational process creates lifelong musicians.

Dr. Phelps has presented research and workshops at conferences of the Missouri Music Educators Association, National Council of Teachers of English Whole Language Umbrella, Midwest Educational Technology Conference, and National Association for Music Education Music Research and Teacher Education National Conference. She has published in the Missouri School Music Magazine and Journal of Research in Music Education. Her research interests include reflective practice in music education and fine arts education, teacher leadership in music education,