Departments:
Music Education
Conducting & Ensembles

Contact:
sconkling@esm.rochester.edu
(585) 274-1615

Susan Wharton Conkling teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in choral methods and curriculum. Ensembles under her direction have appeared at conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the New York State School Music Association, and she has been a guest conductor for honor choirs throughout the country. Also recognized for her work as a clinician and teacher, Conkling has presented sessions for the American Choral Directors Association, the College Music Society, the International Society for Music Education, and the Music Educators National Conference. Recently published articles can be found in the Choral Journal, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Music Education International, Symposium, and Arts Education Policy Review.

In 1999, Conkling was named a Carnegie Scholar in the Pew National Fellowship Program. Her work as a Carnegie Scholar has examined the professional development of musicians and the connections between the real world work of professional musicians and the curriculum and pedagogy of colleges of music and conservatories.

Conkling graduated magna cum laude from Illinois Wesleyan University, and spent many years teaching choral music in public schools. Her graduate education was at the Eastman School of Music, where she received a master of music in conducting and a Ph.D. in music education. Before joining the faculty at Eastman in 1997, Conkling held appointments at Ithaca College (1991), Brigham Young University (1991-1994), and the University of North Texas (1994-1997).