Russell Presents Research in Ireland and Publishes Article

Joshua Russell, assistant professor of music education, Hartt, presented a research paper at the first annual conference of the Society for Music Education in Ireland on Nov. 12, 2011.  The conference was held at the Deparment of Music of the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland

His paper, titled "Keeping Skilled Music Educators in the Classroom: Why We Leave and Policies to Make us Stay," reported a systemic analysis of the factors influencing music educators' career paths and policies that could be employed in teacher preparation programs as well as within school communities to keep effective music teachers in the classroom.

Russell also published an article, titled "The Perceived Impact of String Programs on K-12 Music Programs," in the newest volume of the String Research Journal. This journal is the research publication of the American String Teachers Association. Russell was the lead author, collaborating with Donald L. Hamann of the University of Arizona.

In their article, Russell and Hamann examine the impact of string programs on various other K-12 music programs (i.e., band, chorus, etc.) in order to inform the advocacy efforts of those trying to initiate or reinvigorate a string program in their local schools.