Student Spotlight: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. student Philip Edelman

Philip Edelman

Philip Edelman

Philip Edelman earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Music at Kansas State University. Now an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. student in Music Education and Curriculum & Instruction, he started this program in Fall 2013 and will graduate in May 2016.

“I chose UMKC because I was able to teach courses that I love to teach and because the professors here are second to none,” he said. “They took the time to get to know me and guide me through the application and matriculation processes and continue to be involved in my growth as a professional every day.”

Edelman described his journey through the IPhD program as “truly amazing.”

“I was brought on board with very little research experience, and have been granted opportunities every semester to conduct my own research and to assist faculty research,” he said. “As a student, my coursework has been helpful in giving me a solid foundation upon which I can fashion my own research and teaching.”

In addition, Edelman has enjoyed working closely with two other IPhD students in his disciplines.

“I cannot overstate the impact that these two colleagues have had upon me to make a better version of myself,” he said. “The three of us share an office, and we support each other well.”

Initially, Edelman did not consider there to be much of a difference between this interdisciplinary program and a singular-discipline Ph.D. program.

“I was interested in UMKC because of the professors here and the reputation of the Conservatory,” he said. “In retrospect, I am thrilled to have landed in this interdisciplinary program, as I have connected with some amazing professors in the education building, and they have given me strong guidance as I enter my dissertation year.”

During his time at UMKC, Edelman has enjoyed Kansas City, including the Chiefs, the Royals, Sporting KC, and the Kansas City Symphony and Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.

“There has never been a shortage of things to do here in the city when you have a short break from your studies,” he said. “The best part of my time here at UMKC has been working with my other colleagues in the Music Education/ Curriculum & Instruction IPhD program. They are truly amazing, and we always have a great time together.”

Before attending UMKC, Edelman taught band and orchestra in the Goddard, Kansas school district.  After graduation, he hopes to find a university position where he can continue teaching future music educations and conduct research related to music teacher training.

“In a broad sense, this degree has helped me think more critically about teaching, my art, and has taught me more about the broad context within which music educators work and are trained,” he said. “I have been involved with the IDSC over the past year, and stay busy as staff accompanist at my house of worship in downtown Kansas City.”

Edelman has several pieces of advice for students who might be interested in a Ph.D. program.

“First, meet the professors in your disciplines before you commit to a school,” he said. “Get a realistic idea of what the Ph.D. program requirements are for graduation, then make a plan and do your best to stick with it.”

His second piece of advice is to choose your advisor carefully.

“This person will become your mentor and help shepherd you through your program,” he said. “I am extremely lucky to have found the advisor that I have. He has spent countless hours working with me to help me redesign my research, talk about my future aspirations, and make sure I am generally ‘on-track.’”

His final piece of advice is to remember that professors and courses are not your only sources for learning.

“Make sure you form relationships with the other students in your program and learn from them,” he said. “Not only will you be functioning as an important support system for each other, but you will (hopefully) be great colleagues with them for the rest of your career.”

 

 

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