Faculty Spotlight: Joe Parisi

Dr. Joe ParisiProfessor Joe Parisi plays multiple roles within the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Along with being a Professor of Instrumental Music Education, he is also the Chair of Music Education-Music Therapy and the Associate Director of Bands. He first came to UMKC in 2002.

“I was attracted to UMKC because the job involved starting and building a new ensemble (the Conservatory Wind Ensemble), as well as teaching future music educators,” he said.

Joe sees the Conservatory Wind Ensemble as one of his major accomplishments, since is it recognized as one of the region’s best ensembles. Similarly, the Conservatory band program has also developed into a nationally leading program. He also listed a few other accomplishments.

“Our Music Education program has had great success in placing students in jobs,” he said. “Since my time here, we have had a near perfect job placement rate and our Ph.D. students are teaching in prominent positions at universities and institutions throughout the country. I am especially proud that our Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program has the highest graduation rate in the university.”

In his work with graduate students, Joe supervises Graduate Teaching Assistants for undergraduate conducting class and the Conservatory Wind Ensemble. He also teaches a course open to all graduate students, titled “The Teaching Performer.” He serves on the doctoral faculty, serves on several master’s and doctoral student committees, and works with several students on completing their research projects and dissertations.

“I meet with my graduate students regularly to talk about philosophical issues in higher education and in our particular world of music,” he said. “I like to challenge them to think philosophically and pragmatically as they develop the requisite skills to prepare to become faculty members.”

Joe said his motivation is simple – great music with great students.

“I get to work with students in every degree plan at the Conservatory (from Music Education majors to Doctoral Performance majors). I make music, teach music, play music, and talk about music. I have the best job ever,” he said. “I am passionate about working with student musicians who love what they do and want to share that love with their students.”

Over the summer, Joe traveled with the Missouri Ambassadors to conduct a select group of Missouri high school students performing in England, Austria, Switzerland, France and Germany. Among other recent projects are recording with the Fountain City Brass Band, commissioning four new works to premiere with the Conservatory Wind Ensemble this year, and a research project to investigate the similarities and unique characteristics of community bands in Italy and the U.S.

Joe said his time at UMKC has gone quickly.

“As I look to the future, I hope to continue finding new and innovative ways to teach, create music and grow as a teacher and artist,” he said.

For students who may become faculty in the future, Joe has some advice.

“You will never have this much time in your life to invest in every aspect of your musicianship. Become the best musician you can be; the time to do that is while you are in school,” he said. “Learn how to work with people and respect their opinions. Relationships are built one at a time and are what make working in higher education valuable.”

Joe is proud that the students UMKC attracts are good people.

“The Conservatory has a reputation for being a nurturing place that supports individuality,” he said. “Music is a life-long activity that can provide many years of satisfaction to anyone who sings or plays an instrument, regardless of their age or profession.”

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