Sara Haefeli

Sara Haefeli serves as Associate Professor in Composition and Music Studies at Ithaca College's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, teaching music history, American avant-garde music, and philosophy of creativity courses since joining the faculty in 2011. Her scholarly work bridges historical musicology with innovative pedagogical approaches.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where she was recognized as an Outstanding Educator, cello performance studies at the University of Northern Colorado, and a Fulbright Scholarship for research on Hans Rott and Gustav Mahler in fin-de-siècle Vienna.

Haefeli's research centers on transforming music history pedagogy through critical examination of canonical assumptions and development of case-based learning methodologies. She actively challenges traditional narratives in Western art music while promoting student engagement with experimental traditions. Her scholarship emphasizes the intersection of creativity, writing instruction, and digital tools in music education.

Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on pedagogical innovation and American experimentalism, with recent works addressing case-based teaching frameworks and canonical critique. Current projects include revising the seminal textbook A History of Western Music.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Fulbright Scholarship for Vienna research
• Outstanding Educator award from University of Illinois

Haefeli contributes significantly to academic service as faculty representative to Ithaca College's Board of Trustees and co-editor for the Journal of Music History Pedagogy. Previously at the University of Northern Colorado, she co-directed the Open Space Festival for New Music (2009-2011), programming diverse avant-garde and folk music events featuring artists like Christian Wolff and Jean-Claude Risset.

As an active performer, she maintains dual careers in contemporary and historical performance practice, having played with The Grand Canonical Ensemble (baroque trio) and The Prairie Pranksters (psychedelic bluegrass), with recordings on Telarc and Westdeutscher Rundfunk labels.