James C. Carlson, Professor of Systematic Musicology -
Dr. Carlson was my Ph.D. mentor. I had finished all but my final paper for a DMA in Music Education when I went to talk with him about my ideas for that paper. After he listened to my ideas, he suggested that my work was worthy of a Ph.D. So I transferred to his program in systematic musicology and completed the Ph.D. I'm a strong intuitive, but Dr. Carlson helped me to learn to think analytically and critically. He mentored me in wonderful ways, introducing me to key people in the field both nationally and internationally. It is through him that I became connected with ISME and the founding of the Early Childhood Commission. He and his wife, Mary, remain dear friends. I am eternally grateful for his guidance.