Ron Gerhardstein is Associate Professor of Music Education and Associate Director of Bands at Pacific Lutheran University.  At PLU, he directs the Concert Band and teaches coursework related to music education, instrumental methods, and the supervision of student teachers.  Prior to his appointment at PLU in 2014, Dr. Gerhardstein taught for thirteen years in the West Valley School District in Yakima, WA.  Recent guest conducting appearances include the WMEA Jr. All-State “Rainier” Band (2017), the South-West Washington Small Schools Honor Band (2018), the Lake Washington SD Honor Band (2018), and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Honor Band in Kobe, Japan (2019).  He holds degrees from the University of Idaho (BME and MM in Saxophone Performance) and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Temple University.

Dr. Gerhardstein is currently serving as the President of the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA).  He makes his home in Tacoma, WA with his wife Jerilyn, a teacher librarian in the Bethel School District.

image of Hilton Long Beach hotel with copy 2026 Biennial NAfME Music Research and Teacher Education Conference. Long Beach, California. Call for proposals due February 23, 2026. Logos for Society for Music Teacher Education and Society for Research in Music Education
From Budget to Brilliance: Building Strong Music Programs. 2026 NAfME Music Program Leaders Forum. January 29-30, 2026. Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona. Image of Delta Hotels Marriott. Logos for NAfME Council of Music Program Leaders and Arizona Annual State Music Education Conference theme Teaching with Passion, Leading with Purpose
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