James Mick

James Mick serves as Professor of Music Education at Ithaca College within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in string pedagogy, orchestral rehearsal techniques, instrumental conducting, and the psychology of music teaching and learning.

Dr. Mick earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from Florida State University, Master of Music in Music Education from Ithaca College, and Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Christian University.

His research focuses on adjudication reliability, performance perceptions, school string program viability, and string instrument vibrato characteristics. Scholarly publications span journals including the Bulletin for the Council of Research in Music Education, Contributions to Music Education, Music Educators Journal, and String Research Journal, with book chapters in The Oxford Handbook of Preservice Music Teacher Education in the United States and Teaching Music through Performance in Orchestra, Volume 4.

Awards and Leadership

• Ithaca College Faculty Excellence Award (2020)
• Past-President, New York State Chapter of American String Teachers Association
• Editorial Board Member, String Research Journal

As an active conductor, Dr. Mick served as Music Director of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (2015-2023), leading performances at Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center, and previously directed the Ithaca Community Orchestra. He regularly conducts all-state honor festivals across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, and Wyoming, plus international engagements in the United Kingdom and Belgium. His clinical work includes presentations at the American String Teachers Association National Conference and The Midwest Clinic.