Heather Nelson Shouldice

Dr. Heather Nelson Shouldice is a Professor and Coordinator of Music Education in the Music Department at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, supervises student teachers, and serves as academic advisor for undergraduate music education students. Additionally, she advises EMU's collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education and directs the early childhood music program through the EMU Community Music Academy.

Education:

• Ph.D., Music Education, Michigan State University
• MM, Music Education, University of Michigan
• BM, Music Education, Michigan State University

Her research examines music teacher beliefs and their impact on teaching practice, musical development and identity in young children, and justice-related issues in music education. She specializes in Music Learning Theory applications, early childhood music pedagogy, improvisation, composition, and music literacy development in elementary classrooms.

Scientific Awards:

• Excellence-in-Teaching Citation from Michigan State University
• Leadership Endowment Fellowship from MSU Council of Graduate Students
• Dissertation Completion Fellowship from MSU Graduate School

Dr. Shouldice supervises student teachers and advises undergraduate music education students while leading EMU's NAfME chapter. Her research has been supported by doctoral fellowships, and she actively disseminates findings through professional development. She directs EMU's early childhood music program and serves as faculty for the Gordon Institute for Music Learning, teaching summer courses on Music Learning Theory.