Teresa McCreary

Teresa McCreary is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Performing Arts at Hawai'i Pacific University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Arts, Humanities, and Languages. She has over two decades of experience in instrumental music education and leadership in performing arts programs.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Music Education, University of Kansas (Lawrence)
• Master’s in Cello Performance, University of Texas at Austin
• Doctorate in Music Education, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Her research and professional interests center on music education, cello performance, and orchestral training. She has contributed extensively to K–12 and higher education music programs, with a focus on curriculum development, ensemble direction, and arts advocacy. Her work bridges performance and pedagogy, emphasizing student engagement and community outreach in the performing arts.

Dr. McCreary has held leadership roles in professional organizations including the Hawaii Music Educators Association and the Hawaii String Teachers Association. She has served as guest conductor and clinician for numerous youth and university orchestras and has performed with the Honolulu Symphony, Maui Symphony, Kona Orchestra, and international ensembles in Austria and the United States. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing music education and expanding access to the performing arts.

Professional Affiliations and Service:

• President, Hawaii Music Educators Association
• President, Hawaii String Teachers Association
• Member, Hawaii Arts First Partnership
• Guest Clinician/Conductor, Hawaii Youth Symphony, University of Hawaii Orchestra, All-South Honor Orchestra Conference, and Hawaii Department of Education programs

She previously served as Orchestra Director at Iolani School in Honolulu for sixteen years, where she doubled enrollment in the program and led international concert tours to London, New York, Australia, and New Zealand. Currently, she leads the performing arts initiatives at Hawai'i Pacific University, shaping curriculum and performance opportunities for students.

Dr. McCreary has performed with the Bel Canto Trio, American Institute of Musical Studies (Graz, Austria), and various Hawaiian orchestras. Her career integrates performance, teaching, administration, and advocacy, making her a prominent figure in music education in Hawaii and beyond.