Karolyn Stonefelt

Dr. Karolyn Stonefelt is SUNY Distinguished Professor of Music and Chair of Percussion Studies at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she has taught since 1993. She directs the Fredonia Percussion Ensemble and maintains a vigorous studio teaching load.

Education:

• Doctor of Music, Indiana University
• Master of Music (Percussion Performance), Peabody Institute/Johns Hopkins University

Research & Teaching Interests:

Her scholarly and pedagogical work centers on percussion performance, world music traditions, and the mind-body connection in creativity. Through her Fulbright Senior Scholar year in Ghana she immersed herself in Dagara xylophone styles, continuing to mentor Ghanaian artists and integrate global musics into American higher-education curricula.

Honors & Recognition:

• Percussive Arts Society 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Education
• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2006)
• Poummit Faculty Recognition Award, School of Music, Fredonia (2010)

Grants & Creative Output:

• Eleven funded grants supporting research, performance, and curriculum innovation
• Seven professional recordings as performer, producer, or composer
• Extensive conducting and arranging credits

Laboratories & Ensembles:

She currently leads the Fredonia Percussion Ensemble and maintains an active performance schedule with the Erie (PA) Chamber Orchestra and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra. Her on-campus studio serves as a laboratory for creative percussion practice and intercultural music making.