The West Virginia University School of Music welcomes Sandra Schwartz as interim director, effective July 1. 

“The School of Music has been a great place to work since I arrived on campus in 2006,” Schwartz said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead as the School continues as a visible force in arts and culture in the community.”

Schwartz, associate professor of music, teaches Choral Methods, Voice Class, Vocal Pedagogy, and Introduction to Music Education at the undergraduate level, and Foundations of Music Education, Psychology of Music, Advanced Choral Methods, and Introduction to Research in Music Education at the graduate level.

Schwartz will use her expertise to help guide the School of Music into a post-pandemic era. 

“The School of Music has only recently resumed ‘normal’ live performances,” Schwartz said. “We hope to remind people about the irreplaceable experience of live performance and welcome them back to the Canady Creative Arts Center. Further, we accept the challenge head-on to prepare our students for ever-broadening professional landscapes and expectations.”

Schwartz earned a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Miami after a successful career as a high school choral director in the School District of Lee County (FL). Prior to teaching public school, she earned her M.M. in Choral Conducting and B.M. in Music Education, also from the University of Miami.

Schwartz is a member of The National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, National Association of Teachers of Singing, College Music Society, Sigma Alpha Iota and Pi Kappa Lambda.

Schwartz takes the reins of the School of Music from Director Michael Ibrahim, who accepted a position at The Ohio State University. A national search will be conducted in 2022-23 school year for the Director’s position.

“Dr. Schwartz has led many critical aspects of the School of Music during her tenure,” said College of Creative Arts Dean Keith Jackson. “In addition to being the coordinator of the largest major in the School of Music, she has successfully engaged in curricular reform, outreach activities, and our re-accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music. At the college level, she has been heavily involved in improving our efforts in assessment. The School of Music will continue to thrive under her leadership.”