Christopher Baumgartner

Dr. Christopher Baumgartner is Associate Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies & Advising at the University of Oklahoma where he teaches courses in music education, supervises student teachers and graduate research, and directs the New Horizons Band. Prior to OU, Dr. Baumgartner taught music education and bands at Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Missouri. He taught instrumental music in the Kenton (Ohio) Public Schools for four years, directing the high school, middle school, and beginning band programs. He continues to serve as a clinician and adjudicator for school bands of all levels. 

Keeping an active agenda in music education research, Dr. Baumgartner routinely presents at state, national, and international conferences. His research interests include music student teaching, instrumental music methods, rehearsal techniques, community music, and music teacher mentoring. Dr. Baumgartner is published in numerous state, national, and international journals. His book chapter on music student teaching appears in the Oxford Handbook of Preservice Music Teacher Education in the United States. 

After eight years as facilitator for SMTE’s Supporting Beginning Music Teachers ASPA, Dr. Baumgartner began his term as ASPA Coordinator in summer 2022, overseeing all 11 workgroups. In Oklahoma, he designed a statewide music mentoring program and annual Beginning Teacher Workshop for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. Dr. Baumgartner recently completed a two-year term on the NAfME Professional Development Committee, is a member of the NAfME 2022 Conference Planning Committee, and serves on the Journal of Music Teacher Education Editorial Review Committee.