USM School of Music Welcomes New Music Education Faculty

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Music has a long and prestigious reputation for preparing some of the world's finest music educators. With an eye toward the classroom of the future, the school is pleased to welcome Ashley Allen, Assistant Professor of Music Education (choral), and Melody Causby, Assistant Professor of Music Education (instrumental).

Allen joins the USM community from Central Michigan University, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, observed student teachers, and served as coordinator for the Music Education Area and liaison to the College of Education.

She received her Doctorate in Philosophy from The University of Kansas and her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education from The University of Oklahoma. Other pedagogical training includes Kodály training and certification in levels 1, 2, and 3 at The University of Oklahoma.

Prior to transitioning to higher education, Dr. Allen taught secondary choral and general music for grades 6-12 in public schools in central Oklahoma, and higher education courses in music education as a graduate assistant for The University of Oklahoma and The University of Kansas. She also served as an intern with the Norman Children's Chorus and as an assistant director with the Kansas University Youth Chorus.

Causby is completing a Doctorate of Philosophy and completed her Masters of Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a cognate in Wind Band Conducting and Bachelors Degree from Campbell University. During her doctoral work at UNCG, Melody taught the Marching Band Techniques course, assisted in various Music Education courses, and supervised student teachers.

She is currently the Interim Director of Bands at Elon University, where she operates and conducts the Phoenix Winds Wind Ensemble, The Elon Basketball Band, and the Fire of the Carolinas Marching Band. Previously, Causby was a band director in NC Public schools for eleven years, during which time the programs she ran grew in both size and quality, and she served district and state organizations in various leadership capacities.

“I am pleased that two of our nation's finest music educators have joined the faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi's School of Music” said Dr. Richard Kravchak, Director of the School of Music. “They will play a key role for us as we continue to be the flagship music institution of Mississippi, the destination music school of the Southeast, and one of our country's premiere training centers for the music teachers of the 21^st Century.”

For more information, visit usm.edu/music