Cassandra Steptoe

Caroline Dunmire, Music Education Major 

        Melodious sounds fill the practice room as Liberty University junior Caroline Dunmire practices for her weekly violin lesson.  

       Dunmire spends up to 20 hours per week in the practice rooms preparing for her lesson. In addition, Dunmire practices pieces for the Liberty University Symphony Orchestra, her chamber ensemble and various gigs she works.  

       “I’m currently a part of two ensembles,” Dunmire said. “The string quartet is an ensemble consisting of two violins, of which I am one, a cellist and a violist. … The symphony performs classical concerts and also worship concerts for our recruitment events.” 

       However, Dunmire is not a music performance major. Her real passion is to teach others the joys of music with her music education degree.  

       “At first I … thought about a performance major because I wasn’t sure about learning all the instruments,” Dunmire said. “But a professor explained that I would have more skills if I did a music education major and also focused on the violin.” 

       Though Dunmire did not always know she wanted to be a music teacher, the influence of professors and her experiences at school have furthered her love for learning and sharing her knowledge with the children she hopes to teach. 

       “I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to learn how to invest in (student’s) lives through music,” Dunmire said.                    “Music is really important for children to learn. It develops their creative side, it gives them aesthetic experiences that they don’t get elsewhere and it contributes to their overall education and well-being.” 

        Dunmire has played violin since she was 14 and is pursuing a music performance minor. This augments her music education degree but keeps her busy preparing for the requirements that accompany the minor. 

       “Each week I have private lessons with string faculty where I learn repertoire and scales and etudes,” Dunmire said.        “My private lessons prepare me for required area recitals and jury as well as my upcoming senior recital.”  

       On top of all these responsibilities, Dunmire is an honors student as well as head grader at the school of music. However, Dunmire feels one of her biggest accomplishments is how she is on track to graduate in four years. 

       “I’m (graduating quickly) for financial reasons, as well as just trying to maximize what I’ve been given and then …  move on to the next step,” Dunmire said. 

       Though the major takes most students upwards of five years to graduate, according to Chair of the Music Education Department Paul Rumrill, Dunmire’s CLEP work and stringent planning have gotten her on track for four.  

       “It’s important to me to make the most of my time here so I’ve always taken the maximum number of credits and CLEP exams to test out of some of my general course work.” 

       These preparations aided in the “difficult” pursuit of a music education major, as well as teaching her discipline, time management and a love for learning, according to Dunmire.  

       “To me, a music education is worth it,” Dunmire said. “I love music and I love teaching and that’s really necessary to be able to survive in this program, but it is something I definitely do not regret.”  

                                                                                Dunmire and Her Instrument

Music Education  

       Music has been a part of humanity since ancient times. Formal music education classes however began around the early 18th century according to edu-nova.com. Today, the faculty and staff at Liberty University have designed the program to prepare music teachers in all aspects of their careers, according to Rumrill. 

       “The major was established (at Liberty) around the late eighties,” Rumrill said. “There are a lot of methods classes that we do in the school of music be it brass, strings, winds, percussion so we kind of give them the whole array. … You’ve got to be somewhat good at everything to be a music educator. You have to be a great generalist, … a great communicator in the classroom and you have to have a big heart.” 

       The 140-credit program includes student teaching, instruction in a variety of instruments and education classes. Additionally, students must finish all their course work before completing a semester of student teaching in order to graduate. Rumrill understands the workload is large, but believes the rigors prepare students for teaching music in the real world. 

       “You never know what the job market might entail,” Rumrill said. “No one can be prepared for everything. But, we try to give quite a smorgasbord of ideas and mindsets and opportunities that get (students) prepared.” 

       However, the amount of work often keeps students at the school for an average of four and a half years, said Rumrill. This gives them time to finish all their major requirements as well as completing general education courses and student teaching. 

       “I do counsel all those coming in, if you’re determined to go in four years, to probably take some summer courses,” Rumrill said. “You can be filled up to the gills with your tongue hanging out and you might be able to make it in four years.” 

       The large class load prepares students to educate the next generation, related Rumrill. Educating posterity is a big responsibility that can be overwhelming at times. However, both Rumrill and Dunmire believe faith plays an important part in being a successful music education major.  

       “I feel that the Lord can help us to be constant with him and to have that focus so we can be faithful to him and do (music education) as unto him,” Rumrill said. “We are looking to engage society as a whole and whether or not people are in music, music is going to be part of them. And even if we can’t be blatant in our use of Christian songs in the public school environment, we can reflect Christ very strongly from who we are in the classroom.” 

       Dunmire has found that her goal of graduating in four years is not without its challenges. The many classes required along with everyday stresses sometimes weigh heavily on Dunmire.  

      “My major involves me juggling a lot of things,” Dunmire said. “There are a lot of ensemble and private practicing I need to do and I’m usually in five or six other classes and these of course take time out of my schedule. In addition to my course work and rehearsal time, I also have a job so sometimes it is hard to know which to prioritize and it can be overwhelming.” 

       Dunmire plans to graduate with around 170 credits after completing her major, minor, electives and the many CLEP credits she brought in. Without a passion for the work she does, Dunmire says she might be tempted to give up. 

       “Without a real dedication to this major it would be a real challenge because it is hard work,” Dunmire said “But it is a lot of fun.” 

Ensembles 

       Some of the “fun” activities that Dunmire is involved in include the ensembles and groups she is involved with. Orchestra rehearsal takes about five hours per week, plus, Dunmire takes additional practice time to work on her part. The orchestra plays classical, baroque and romantic literature as well as foraying into film scores, worship songs and pieces arranged by Liberty faculty and students.  

       “The symphony orchestra rehearses two times a week in preparation for concerts,” Dunmire said. “During our classical concerts, we play with soloists as well as playing symphonies and usually a film score piece or two. Usually we will also accompany a worship band during our worship recruitment performances.” 

       The orchestra works on a variety of pieces spanning from classical Mozart to romantic Brahms to contemporary John Williams pieces. Dunmire enjoys this variety, even when the songs are difficult. 

       “We’re playing a lot of really fun literature, which has challenged us but also helped us to grow,” Dunmire said. “I’ve been really impressed with the growth in the sections. We have a really musically mature group.”  

       Associate Dean for the Center for Music and Worship and symphony conductor Dr. John Kinchen works with the orchestra and appreciates Dunmire’s abilities as the orchestra works to improve unity and excellence.  

      “A symphony orchestra is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ,” Dunmire said. “Each member has his own unique role, but together the whole is a great masterpiece” 

       The orchestra was started in order to engage the community as well as expand Liberty’s music program, according to Kinchen.  Originally consisting of a mix of faculty and students, the orchestra now has more than 45 student members.  

       “The objective is to have the orchestra serve as a premier performing ensemble for the School of Music that will not only perform music of the … great composers of the past but also perform music that is vital to the culture in which we live today,” Kinchen said. 

       The chamber ensemble that Dunmire is a part of has also developed over the years. Originally there was one quartet and several trio and duet ensembles that performed intermittently throughout the school year. Now, there are two high level quartets and numerous other ensembles that play at regular recitals and even paid gigs every semester, according to Dunmire.  

       “My string quartet will meet once a week with our coach, a music professor who helps through the music, gives us interpretive ideas and gives us tips on how to practice and work as a group,” Dunmire said. “Then outside of that coaching session, we will practice individually and also the four of us will meet to work on our music together.” 

       The quartet plays selections from the classical and modern periods of music under the direction of university cello professor David Feldman. The other members of the quartet are also orchestra members but are not music education majors. 

       “These small groups require dedication and excellence from every member as well as absolute unity in musicality while performing,” Dunmire said. “Coordinating schedules with quartet members can be challenging, as we all are juggling busy class schedules and many work part-time jobs.” 

       Dunmire also plays at weddings and churches with the quartet and other musicians from Liberty. 

       “Opportunities to play gigs at churches or other events are an important part of growing as a musician,” Dunmire said. “The ensembles and repertoire are varied and these jobs are an excellent way to begin working in music while still a student.” 

        Dunmire’s persistence helps her as she works toward her degree and a future in music education.  

A day in the life 

        Dunmire often wakes early for 8:15am classes or to get homework done.  

        “A typical day for me involves going to classes and I’ll have an ensemble rehearsal,” Dunmire said. “I also will usually do some tutoring or grading for my job as a student worker.” 

        After morning classes and preparations, Dunmire has convocation at her school three times a week, more classes and concerts she is required to attend. 

        “I need to make sure I have time for my individual practice and my homework,” Dunmire said. “The number of practice hours varies depending on which instrument you play. Voice majors may practice one hour and up to three hours for piano students. The majority of people fall somewhere in between those numbers.” 

        After a full day of work, practice and school Dunmire still finds time to go to the gym occasionally and keep up with friends.  

        “Since my schedule is so busy I try to make the most of my free time,” Dunmire said. “I find it really convenient that I’m friends with classmates and coworkers … and when I’m not at work or in class I sometimes spend time alone relaxing, but I also enjoy getting meals and having fun with my friends.” 

        Dunmire has enjoyed learning and succeeding in the music education department and hopes aspiring music teachers will not shy away from the challenges of the major. She advises incoming students to be prepared to take a heavy course load, be willing to work hard and enjoy their time in school.  

       “Something that is really important to be a successful music education major is to have a real passion for both playing your instrument and teaching children,” Dunmire said. 

       This passion seems to fuel Dunmire well as she finishes her late night practice with a flourish of her bow and a smile.