Intro by King Musa
Yo, what it is. It’s your man King Musa. Welcome to the Cheat Sheet, where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I'm your host King Musa, and today we'll be diving into the world of music education, performance, and leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University. Our guest today is shaping the future of music education at Stephen F. Austin. Joining us is Dr. J.D. Salis, the interim director of the School of Music. He’s here to share his insight into the program, the impact on students, and what's next for music at SFA. Introducing Dr. Salis.
Getting to Know Dr. J.D. Salis
King Musa: “So, it’s crazy. There used to be a board sitting right here. I have it in my backpack because I used it elsewhere. I don't know if I’m growing or if it came back down. But how are you doing today?”
Dr. J.D. Salis: “I'm doing okay.”
KM: “Yes sir. Before we get started, it's Thursday. That's three days away from Sunday. This Sunday is the Super Bowl, so I have to know your Super Bowl prediction.”
JDS: “I don't. We'll see if the Chiefs can pull out another repeat or what will happen.”
KM: “Do you have a preference?”
JDS: “Unfortunately, I'm a long-suffering Dallas Cowboys fan.”
KM: “Long-suffering. At this point, I'm happy for the two competitors playing.”
JDS: “Right. Have fun, play the Super Bowl halftime show, and let's get started. Springs eternal for us, we see.”
KM: “All right. Let's dive in. Can you introduce yourself and what you do here at SFA?”
JDS: “Sure. I'm Dr. JD Salis. I'm the interim director of the School of Music and also the director of the Swingin' Axes jazz ensemble.”
KM: “That's you. They came outside to just the Swingin' Axes, the third part of the jazz band?”
JDS: “Yes. And what got you into this role?”
JDS: “Essentially, as interim director, I help facilitate the School of Music. We are a huge entity in the College of Fine Arts, about half the enrollment. The Schools of Theatre and Dance and Art are growing and have done incredible work. With the new building, the College of Fine Arts will grow. The School of Music itself is a large department, almost a college, with strings, wind brass, percussion, voice, recording technology, and composition, each with area heads. I wouldn't say I'm shaping the music education future; I'm helping facilitate incredible faculty and make things easier for them and the students. I'm a very student-centric person.”
Personal Background and Passions
KM: “I want to know your background. Where did you grow up, what instrument did you play, and did your parents go to college?”
JDS: “Both my parents went to college. I'm not a first-generation college student but a transitional generation. My mom and dad got their degrees while I was growing up. My mom was a paraprofessional at a school, and my dad was an auto parts salesman. By the time we went to school, my dad was a registered nurse. I'm from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, about five miles from the Mexican border. My mom is now a retired school teacher, currently a substitute teacher.”
KM: “She retired as a kindergarten teacher and is now a substitute in high school. It's time to try it. My father passed away several years ago, but when he was here, he was a charge nurse in the ER. I've lived that transition from parents who didn’t attend college to college being my first experience. I have some of the same growing pains as first-generation students. Were you the first musician in the family?”
JDS: “Yes, I was the first. I played tuba as my main instrument and jazz bass as my secondary. When I stepped into the interim director position, I let go of the tuba euphonium studio and kept the jazz ensemble. It's an easier transition than teaching an instrument and preparing students for senior recitals while managing school needs. I can program the jazz ensemble ahead, and we rehearse. It’s a different type of challenge.”
KM: “When you aren't planning events and sending emails and Instagram posts, what do you like to do for fun? What are your passions, interests, and hobbies?”
JDS: “I like to barbecue. Smoking brisket, pulled pork, I like to cook. It's Texas-style barbecue. My favorite is beef ribs, plate ribs, and brisket. I also go to concerts. I have a 10-year-old son who is starting piano. Music is a lifestyle, not a job. I love what I do. In this position, it's about being a marketer and recruiter. As a faculty member, recruitment is a large part of the job. As interim director, I facilitate recruitment and marketing. This job has made me a digital marketer, recruiter, and enrollment manager. It's fun to publicize the School of Music and the students' work. That's the whole point.”
Vision and Leadership
KM: “How long have you been in this position and how did you get here at SFA?”
JDS: “I've been at SFA since the fall of 2006, this is my 19th year. As interim director, I started July 1st. Our previous director left in May, and I took over. We'll see what happens in the future. Before, I was teaching tuba euphonium, directing the jazz ensemble, and was an associate director for the School of Music, dealing with assessment and certifications.”
KM: “Usually, when there's a shift, I pick up on the politics. They do an internal search for someone to take the interim role. What made you willing to step up?”
JDS: “I love teaching, seeing students succeed. It's a different level of satisfaction. It was a difficult choice to move into this role. I was moving that way subconsciously. I was in the faculty Senate and chair, then returned to teaching. I still did leadership programs and learned about the university system. When I became associate director for assessment, I met people across campus and facilitated programs to make them more efficient and effective. This was the second opportunity to step in. The first time, I wasn't ready. This time, it was time to support the school at the end of the year. Once in the position, it's a different joy, seeing others succeed.”
KM: “The challenges are that directors are in offices all day, looking at numbers and data. How do you keep the love of teaching versus the administrative work?”
JDS: “Directing the Jazz ensemble has helped me stay grounded. I see students weekly and see their connection. Students will let you know if things aren't going well. I still like that connection. I also ensure the schedule is ready and classes make sense. The School of Music is large, with 417 majors last fall, and has been near 500. We occupy four buildings, so students move between them. Music requires preparation time. I consider how the schedule works for students with different tracks, like theory, oral skills, history, orchestra, wind ensemble, and choir. There are different needs to consider.”
KM: “What is your vision for empowering students and your leadership style?”
JDS: “My leadership style is working with as many people as possible. I know the system and who to ask for help. Music is a people business. I take a team approach, involving faculty, associate directors, and area heads. I do one-on-ones with area heads because they have different needs and ideas.”
KM: “Could you elaborate on the comparison to being in a band, like playing saxophone?”
JDS: “In a symphony orchestra, you have strings, wind, brass, and percussion. You need balance for rehearsals and to avoid overburdening students who play in multiple ensembles. Area heads deal with choral activities, needing accompanists for choirs and student recitals. It's the calculus and management of a large system.”
Initiatives and Advice
KM: “What exciting initiatives should the audience be ready for from the School of Music?”
JDS: “The university system can be siloed. Many students don't realize all ensembles are open to any student at SFA. You don't have to be a music major to try out for the jazz ensemble or concert band. There are auditions for limited spots. Our biggest organization is the Lumberjack Marching Band, with many non-music majors. Music majors in wind, brass, and percussion education are required to participate. Students who played band in high school can continue and find a community. We have a 90% retention rate from fall to spring because of the community built from day one. Students are ingrained in the degree.”
KM: “So, it's open to anyone. There are classes like class piano for non-majors, and we plan to bring back a guitar class. We have several performances, many free of charge, every week. There was the Devot concert with the eight-hand piano performance. This weekend, February 9th, we have Sujari Britt, a New York-based cellist, doing a recital and masterclass. We have an orchestra concert coming up and just had a jazz ensemble concert. There's no shortage of things to do on campus. Some events are ticketed, but student tickets are as low as three dollars, and many are free. Education and performance majors present senior recitals or performances as their capstone project. During April and October, there are 60 to 70 performances.”
KM: “Before we go, what advice would you give to anyone pursuing music education or a professional career?”
JDS: “It has to be a love, because it is a hard job, but fulfilling. It's true that if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. I still marvel that I get to do this job. We have a unique sound recording technology program. Out of all the schools in the UT system, our facilities are top-notch. We had a W atmos experience last semester, and there are plans for future experiences. You walk into that lab and see a huge truss system and experience surround sound. James Adams leads the program, offering bachelor's and master's degrees. We also released a new video on our composition department and media scoring partnerships. These are unique experiences that students might not consider when playing in band.”
Outro by King Musa
KM: “Thank you, Dr. Salis, for sharing your insight and the School of Music. To all aspiring musicians and educators, remember dedication to practice leads to success. Stay involved and take advantage of opportunities. Never stop creating.”
Subscribe to the Cheat Sheet and follow us on social media for more insightful conversations. This is King Musa, encouraging you to keep making music and keep learning. Have a great day.
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