64. Conversation with Dr. Rachel Dirks of Kansas State University about wellness, building community, and more

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast with Dr. Rachel Dirks (Ep. 64) Dr.
Rachel Dirks, Director of Orchestral Studies at Kansas State
University, is an active conductor, clinician, researcher, and
teacher. In addition to her work with the K-State Symphony
Orchestra, she teaches graduate and undergraduate string
education and conducting courses, and applied cello. She has
collaborated with orchestras throughout the United States, most
recently in New York, Georgia, Hawaii, and Minnesota. As a
featured clinician and educator, she has presented her research
for numerous music education conferences within the United States
and Europe. A Kansas native, Dr. Dirks holds cello performance
degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Bethel
College, and a Ph.D. in music education, with an emphasis in
orchestral conducting, from the University of Kansas. Her current
research surrounding the mental wellbeing of music students and
teachers is published in numerous books, periodicals, and online
resources. She also serves as the current chair of the American
String Teachers Association (ASTA) Health and Wellness Committee.
Throughout her experiences as a conductor and educator, her
fundamental goal is to encourage musicians to seek and create
community through music. You can contact Dr. Dirks at
rdirks@ksu.edu. -- For orchestra teacher resources and more
information visit https://www.orchestrateacher.net -- Your
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