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Brittany May

Associate Professor
Email: bnixon17@byu.edu

MB 3017
Brigham Young University

Biography

Brittany May is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at Brigham Young University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. Before joining the faculty at BYU, Dr. May served as the Beverley T. Sorenson Endowed Graduate Assistant for Elementary Music Education at the University of Utah, where she taught courses in early childhood music education, elementary music education, and arts integration. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. May taught music in both New York and Washington, D.C. During her tenure as a public school teacher, Dr. May instructed band, orchestra, chorus, guitar, and general music. She was recognized as a District of Columbia Public Schools Highly Effective Educator during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years. While working in Washington, D.C., Dr. May’s elementary music students were invited to perform in the White House for the President and First Lady as part of the Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards.

Dr. May’s research interests include early childhood music education and arts integration. She has presented her research at conferences in the United States and abroad, and has published in General Music Today and the Journal of Music Teacher Education. Dr. May holds a Ph.D. in music education from The University of Utah, a Master of Music Education degree from Boston University, and Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from The University of Utah.

Research Interests

Early childhood music education, arts integration, music education policy, elementary general music, popular music, music literacy.

Teaching Interests

Early childhood music education, elementary general music education, arts integration, popular music/modern band

Licenses and Certifications

  • SongWorks Educators Association, SongWorks Level II (2018 - Present)
  • SongWorks Educators Association, SongWorks Level I (2017 - Present)
  • American Orff-Schulwerk Association, Orff-Schulwerk Certification (2015 - Present)
  • BYU InterMuse Academy, Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), Kodály Level I (2013 - Present)
  • Utah State Office of Education, Professional Educator License Level 1 (2011 - 2031)

Honors and Awards

  • 2019-2020 Superior Accomplishment Award, Utah Music Educators Association (2019 - 2020)
  • 2020 Excellence in Teaching Award, BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications (2019 - 2020)

Memberships

  • SongWorks Educators Association (2017 - Present)
  • Society for Music Teacher Education (2015 - Present)
  • Early Childhood Music & Movement Association (2011 - Present)
  • Utah Music Educators Association (2011 - Present)
  • American Orff-Schulwerk Association (2009 - Present)
  • National Association for Music Education (2005 - Present)

Courses Taught