Alvin F. Simpson, III

Alvin Simpson, Ph.D. serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands at West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV, where he teaches music education courses, supervises student teachers, and directs the marching band and concert bands.

Dr. Simpson earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, where he was a four-time award winner of the Program in Music Award. He then earned a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Duquesne University, studying with Charles Lirette, George Vosburgh, and Sean Jones. Dr. Simpson then completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music. While in residency at Eastman, Dr. Simpson was awarded the prestigious Donald J. Shetler Prize, awarded to an outstanding doctoral student in music education.

Prior to his work in higher education, Dr. Simpson taught instrumental and general music to students in grades 4–7 in the Punxsutawney Area School District in Punxsutawney, PA. While at Punxsutawney, Dr. Simpson was nominated multiple times for the PMEA Outstanding Young Educator Award and the Grammy Music Educator Award. Additionally, Dr. Simpson served as an Adjunct Professor and Director of Athletic Bands at Duquesne University. His athletic bands frequently performed on a national level, including ESPN features during the NCAA March Madness tournaments.

Dr. Simpson’s research interests include teacher musicianship, teacher preparation, instrumental methods, curriculum, assessment, and music teacher identity. His research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Simpson maintains an active schedule presenting at local, state, national, and international conference venues.