I was fortunate enough to be a student of Emily Byrens. She was my music theory teacher and choral conductor. As a brand new freshman music education major, having her music theory class at 8:00 a.m. and never having had theory before, I had an exceptionally difficult time at the beginning of my first semester. After my first two arduous weeks, I spoke with her after class and shared my difficulty with her. In her matter of fact and profoundly meaningful way, she shared the following advice… “Pay closer attention in class, stay out of your own way, and ask immediately when you have a question.” I took this advice, and within a semester I became the theory tutor! She had an incredible impact on me on how I teach my current students.
Emily Byrens, Mentor for LIFE
