FIU News staff writer Joel Delgado speaks with Assistant Professor of Music Education Cathy Benedict.
Name: Cathy Benedict
Hometown: I grew up in Denver and taught music in Colorado then lived and taught music in New York City for over 15 years.
Job Title/Department: Assistant Professor – Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Education (Music and Performing Arts, CARTA)
Campus: MMC
In a nutshell: I help students think with great care about what it means to educate young people in and through music. I essentially work with those FIU students who want to be music teachers after they graduate. My particular focus is music with elementary ages, but I also teach the music and special needs class, and graduate courses – including music psychology and curriculum development
Number of years at FIU: This is my third year and I love being here. I love Miami!
What do you enjoy most about your job?: I know this sounds like a typical teacher, but my engagements with the students bring me great joy! I love their willingness to think and take risks and consider how innovation and creativity can and should be part of their everyday teaching.
What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?: First, the music department at FIU is filled with unbelievably talented professors. We have major thinkers in their respective fields and we have major performers who are well known throughout the world. Second, we have a university-wide choir that meets on Monday nights that anyone can join and you don’t even have to audition – just register for MUN1380/3383. Which means there is no reason everyone shouldn’t be singing!
For the complete article, click here.
For more information about the music education program, click here.
