Rhonda Hackworth

Rhonda Hackworth is an Associate Professor of Music Education in the Department of Music at the University of Mississippi, within the College of Liberal Arts. She serves as Head of Music Education and Graduate Program Coordinator, overseeing graduate studies and directing thesis and dissertation research. Her academic work bridges teaching, research, and performance, with a strong focus on the health and pedagogical development of music educators.

Research Interests: Dr. Hackworth specializes in vocal health for music teachers and students, examining how teaching practices affect vocal well-being. She also investigates music perception, particularly how textual and musical elements interact to shape emotional responses. Her research contributes to both pedagogical strategies and occupational health in music education. She has published in leading journals such as Journal of Research in Music Education, International Journal of Music Education, and Journal of Music Teacher Education.

Her publications reflect a consistent focus on vocal health, teacher training, and music cognition. Themes across her work include the impact of teaching experience on vocal strain, vocal hygiene awareness among educators, and the perceptual effects of music-text interactions. She actively presents her findings at international, national, and state-level conferences across the U.S. and abroad, including in Greece, China, and Italy.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific awards mentioned in the text.

Dr. Hackworth advises graduate students in music education, supervising theses and dissertations. She teaches foundational and advanced graduate courses such as Foundations of Music Education (MUS 619), Research in Music Education (MUS 620), and Intelligent Music Teaching (MUS 622). While no grants are explicitly mentioned, her sustained research output and conference presence suggest active scholarly engagement. Her educational leadership extends beyond the classroom into program coordination and curriculum development.

Dr. Hackworth is affiliated with the Department of Music at the Oxford campus of the University of Mississippi. She is part of the Graduate Program in Music (M.M.) and contributes to the academic and artistic mission of the College of Liberal Arts. Though no formal lab or research center is named, her work likely involves collaborative research teams and student-led projects in music education and vocal health.