ERIN
KAUPPILA
Area of Study: Music Education
Current City: Oxford, PA
Graduation Date: 2002
Current Occupation: Director of Instrumental Music, Oxford Area High School
Why did you choose WCU and/or the School of Music?
In the summer of 1996, I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to attend the
WCU High School Summer Music Camp. It was there that I met WCU trumpet professor,
Dr. Kenneth Laudermilch. Soon after camp ended, I began private study with him. I
knew that I wanted to pursue music education in college and wanted to continue my
studies with Dr. Laudermilch, so WCU was the obvious choice for me.
How has the quality of education you received from WCU and/or School of Music prepared
you for life after graduation?
I left WCU fully confident that I was ready to begin my teaching career. Our music
education professors provided us with a strong background of methodologies appropriate
for all levels of teaching, the ability to lesson plan effectively, and the encouragement
needed to take on a position right out of college. The applied faculty pushed us
to become excellent musicians and gave us the opportunity to perform great repertoire.
Our theory and history professors provided a foundation of knowledge that we are
all using in our teaching today. Together, the faculty at WCU continues to build
outstanding music educators and continues to support those educators through working
with our students and providing excellent graduate opportunities.
What is a typical day like for you?
Each day, I teach 2 sections of beginning guitar, advanced guitar, music theory, concert
band, and symphonic band. The marching and jazz bands rehearse either after school
or in the evening. In the winter months, I am the drama music director so I can often
be found at musical rehearsal or working with the pit orchestra. I am also the Director
of Youth Music at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, a Performance Supervisor
at Longwood Gardens, and I play trumpet in the Chester County Pops Orchestra so I
definitely keep myself busy! When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my
husband and our two sons.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to enter your field?
You are choosing a highly competitive and a highly rewarding field. Absorb as much
as information as you can, work hard and stay focused, and don't be afraid to ask
for help! Continue to work hard on your musicianship and spend a lot of time in a
practice room. Every great music teacher that I know is also a great musician!
What advice would you give to our graduating seniors?
As you move into the work force, build as many professional relationships as you can.
The best way to become a great teacher is to learn from other great teachers. Become
active in your local music educators association. Attend conferences and go to sessions.
I'm sure the last thing you want to do is take another class, but start your graduate
degree right away. Never stop learning!
What makes the WCU School of Music standout to you?
The WCU School of Music is a very special place. Although it is a part of large institution,
the faculty at the School of Music really care about each individual student. It
is a nurturing and encouraging environment with a focus on excellence in all areas
of music.
What is your favorite memory of being a student at WCU and/or School of Music?
My fondest memories of college are from late night practice sessions in Swope Hall.
There were quite a few "night dwellers" who became very close friends and are still
friends today!