Rachel Gibson

Dr. Rachel Gibson is a Professor of Music and coordinator of music education at Westfield State University. She holds a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Washington. Her research focuses on ethnomusicology, cultural music preservation, and pedagogical practices in multicultural settings, particularly through her work in Central America and Spain. She authored the Oxford University Press book ¡Canta Conmigo! (2021), which compiles songs and singing games from Guatemala and Nicaragua. As a Fulbright Global Scholar (2021), she conducted research and taught at Universidad de Málaga in Spain, documenting children’s folk songs.

She has held leadership roles in music education organizations, including presidency of Kodály Educators of Southern New England (KESNE) and membership on the OAKE National Board. She teaches summer programs at the West Texas Kodály Initiative and University of Montevallo Kodály Institute. Her work emphasizes integrating global musical traditions into educational curricula.

• Awards: Fulbright Global Scholar (2021)
• Education: Ph.D. in Music Education, University of Washington