Dr. Phillip D. Payne is the current Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Kansas State University. Prior to is appointment, he served as the Associate Director for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance where he led MTD as the Music Executive for Accreditation, oversaw curriculum and assessment, and managed day-to-day aspects of MTD including teaching loads, funding requests, and line scheduling. His duties at K-State also included serving as Professor and Chair of Music Education specializing in Instrumental Music Education. Other responsibilities included Lead Advisor for Music Education Majors, teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in music education, supervising student teachers, and overseeing all operational aspects of the music education program. His research interests include curriculum and assessment, student and teacher mental health, job satisfaction, and transfer students’ experiences and successes. He remains an active clinician, consultant, and adjudicator for districts and arts entities throughout the United States.

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2025 Music Program Leaders Forum April 23-24 in Hartford, Connecticut. Staying in Tune with the Music Teaching Profession. Supporting and Sustaining Pre-Service and Early Career Music Educators

Music Workshop. Music for Well-Being. Online, Self-Paced Professional Development for Music Educators. Learn more at musicworkshop.org