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K-State Today

June 5, 2023

Payne named associate director of music in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Submitted by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Phillip D. Payne, professor of music and chair of music education, has been appointed as associate director of music in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, serving a three-year appointment beginning Aug. 6.

Payne holds Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in music education with an emphasis in instrumental conducting from the University of Oklahoma. His research interests include assessment in music education, mental health and music education, transfer students' experiences, technology integration, music teacher recruitment and retention, and modern band pedagogies for the music classroom. Publications include co-authoring a book on assessment in music education, "Developing and Applying Assessments in the Music Classroom," as well as chapters in "Applying Model Cornerstone Assessments in K-12 Music" and "Teaching Music through Performance in Band." Payne has also published articles in the Journal of Music Teacher Education; Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, Teaching Music, Research and Issues in Music Education; and Music Educators Journal.

"I am excited to serve the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in this new role," Payne said. "I look forward to collaborating with our leadership team and serving our stellar faculty and staff as we guide the school in the upcoming years. The K-State music, theatre and dance programs are unique and special on so many levels, and I am anxious to hit the ground running in sharing the brilliance of our students, faculty, staff and stakeholders."

At K-State, Payne serves as the lead advisor for music education majors, teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in music education, supervising student teachers, and overseeing all operational aspects of the music education program. Prior to K-State, Payne served as director of bands at Rogers State University and assistant director of bands at Moore High School in Moore, Oklahoma. 

"I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Payne to our leadership team," said Bryan Pinkall, director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. "Dr. Payne has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in academic affairs, curriculum, accreditation, and has made a significant impact on a new generation of music educators in our state. We are excited to continue the great work of our school and its impact on thousands of K-State students through his service and leadership."

Payne currently serves as the chair of the National Association for Music Education's Assessment Special Research Interest Groups; co-facilitator of the Society for Music Teacher Education's Program Admissions, Assessment, and Alignment Area for Strategic Planning and Action; and chairs the Research Caucus for Kansas Music Educators Association. He serves as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor throughout the Midwestern United States and is an active member of the National Association for Music Education, Society of Music Teacher Education, and Kansas Music Educators Association.