Donald J. Shetler, professor emeritus of music education, is a former chair of Eastman’s music education department, where he directed the PhD and MA degree programs, and taught courses in research, curriculum design, and the psychology of musical behavior. He retired from full-time teaching in 1988 as senior faculty associate, and moved to South Carolina, where he established a consulting service and the chamber music ensemble “Fiori da Musica.” Born in 1926, Dr. Shetler received a BS in music education from East Tennessee State University, and master’s and doctor of education in music degrees from the University of Michigan. He was awarded research grants from NET Foundation and the Rackham Graduate School. His dissertation was the first to employ computer data analysis and focus on the new field of educational television. Before joining the Eastman faculty in 1965, he directed instrumental music in the Ann Arbor public schools for ten years; he then moved to Cleveland, where he became chairman of the Department of Music at Case-Western Reserve University. He conducted the University Circle Wind Ensemble, the University Circle Chorale, and served as principal cellist and assistant conductor of the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra. He has served as visiting professor at 22 institutions, and has published two books and numerous articles in professional journals. From 1965 to 1971, he was founder and the first director of the pioneer Suzuki Talent Education Program, “Project Super”—the first string project funded by grants from the New York State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. He is known internationally for his research in prenatal musical response, and has lectured worldwide. Dr. Shetler continues to be active in music consulting, performance, and education.
Eastman School of Music
