The department is pleased to welcome Dr. Sean Grier, Lecturer, as a new faculty member this fall! Dr. Grier will be teaching music education courses and directing the UNC Glee Club.
Dr. Grier holds a Ph.D. in Music Education and Master of Music from the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor. Sean received his undergraduate degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Michigan State University. His dissertation—“The vulnerability in singing comes from trust in the relationship first:” Perceptions of human connection in the high school choral classroom—examined the importance of care, trust, the support of vulnerability, and a sense of community and belonging in high school choral music environments.
Before beginning graduate study, he taught choral music for eight years at The Durham School of the Arts in Durham, NC. He also has extensive experience as an administrator of university and P-12 Arts programming and as a facilitator of equity-focused professional development at the university level.
Learn more about Dr. Grier and where you can find him this fall in the short interview below!
UNC Music: What courses are you teaching this coming fall?
Dr. Sean Grier: I will be teaching undergraduate music education coursework–specifically EDUC 601 (Education Workshops), MUSC 228 (Principles of Teaching Music), MUSC 227 (Keyboard, Vocal, and Elementary Music Techniques), supervising student teachers, and conducting the Soprano/Alto Glee Club.
UNC Music: What is your favorite part of teaching and what are you looking forward to most coming to UNC?
Dr. Grier: I value building meaningful partnerships with students in the classroom grounded in shared human connection and engagement with course content.
I am most looking forward to working with the emerging music educators at UNC who are cultivating their own vision for music education and identities as music educators.
I am honored–and thrilled–to be alongside them as we explore these important steps together.
UNC Music: What is the project that you’re most excited about currently?
Dr. Grier: I am eager to further extend and contextualize some of my recent research regarding the importance of human connection in the music classroom. Specifically, I am excited to continue examining how music educators navigate the intersections between teacher-student trust, care, community, sense of belonging, and the prevalence of vulnerability in music learning environments. How do these intersections impact music learning, ensembles, classroom management? Why are they critical intersections in supporting students’ musical endeavors?
UNC Music: What are some of your non-musical hobbies?
Dr. Grier: I enjoy reading, exploring new restaurants, enjoying a good show via streaming, spending time outdoors, and connecting with friends, family, and loved ones.
UNC Music: If your students could learn one thing from you, what do you hope it will be?
Dr. Grier: The importance of developing their own voice and identity as educators while facilitating a learning environment that is attuned to–and responsive to–their students’ multifaceted experiences and needs.
UNC Music: What music are you currently listening to?
Dr. Grier: My eclectic musical interests include Beyonce’s newest album, the full Motown catalogue, Parisian dance music, and anything from the world of musical theater.
UNC Music: Anything else you’d like students to know about you or your teaching?
Dr. Grier: I cannot wait to work alongside the music education and UNC Soprano/Alto Glee Club students at UNC!