Johanna Royo, the music education program coordinator at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ Hugh Hodgson School of Music, spoke on Apr. 3 about her dedication to teaching and expanding students’ self-concepts through music instruction.
Royo said that discovery in music can change how students see themselves. “There is power in discovery,” she said. “When you achieve a skill or level you’ve never accomplished before, that experience has the power to expand your self-concept. You are no longer the limited self who ‘can’t sing’ or ‘can’t lead.’ We must first let go of or work through our self-limiting barriers and take a leap into a space of freedom, curiosity and creativity. There are many facets to teaching music, but an integral part is creating a space to allow a journey of expressive exploration and introspection.”
With a Ph.D. in music education, Royo teaches voice to non-majors as well as instrumentalists pursuing degrees in music education. She explained that while her background is in classical music, she has adapted her instruction for other genres including rock, pop, and jazz. “I incorporate vocal science and pedagogy to promote a greater understanding of how and why certain techniques enhance performance or affect vocal health,” she said. “Additionally, I utilize self-assessment assignments, peer feedback and mindfulness approaches.”
As program coordinator, Royo oversees undergraduate through doctoral programs in music education at UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music. The undergraduate program alone makes up about 20% of the school’s student body with an average enrollment of 100 students each year.
“These students are dedicated to becoming not only excellent musicians but also skilled educators,” Royo said. She described their growth from initial experiences with high school band or choral instructors toward deeper skills such as planning lessons, assessment methods, professionalism in teaching practice, pedagogy strategies for diverse populations.
Graduates from these programs become certified to teach pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade with strong job placement rates after completing coursework that includes applied lessons with faculty members as well as recitals and ensemble performances alongside classes on methodologies and lesson planning.
Royo noted significant growth within the online master’s program designed for working teachers; most coursework takes place during summer sessions with lighter loads during fall and spring semesters.
“I’m passionate about teaching vocal instruction,” Royo said at the conclusion of her remarks,“and I’m also passionate about our programs at UGA.”
