Jennifer Salamone Joins UT College of Music Faculty
The University of Tennessee’s College of Music proudly announces the addition of Jennifer Salamone to its music theory faculty for fall 2024. With a strong background in music education and dedication to community engagement, Salamone brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role.
Salamone attended the University of Hartford’s The Hartt School (BM voice ‘10). She furthered her studies with both a master’s degree and PhD in music theory from the University of Kentucky, solidifying her expertise in the field. Her commitment to teaching led her to a teaching fellowship at the Oberlin Conservatory for two years, followed by three years as a visiting faculty member. She then spent three transformative years at Florida Gulf Coast University as the Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Aural Skills.
The COM’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment drew Salamone to her new role. “I am really excited to be able to teach more diverse classes,” Salamone said. Her dedication to broadening musical perspectives aligns seamlessly with the COM’s values, making her an ideal addition to the faculty.
This fall, Salamone will teach graduate theory, displaying her expertise in music theory and pedagogy. However, her passion extends beyond the confines of traditional academia. Salamone is actively involved in music therapy as a vital aspect of treatment for individuals undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation.
“We are looking to integrate music therapy into their interventions, specifically bluegrass and Appalachian music,” Salamone said. She envisions therapeutic interventions that incorporate culturally relevant music, providing patients with skills in instruments like the banjo and guitar.”
“The bluegrass communities are quite robust,” Salamone said. “When they step down to either intensive outpatient or step out of the program entirely, they have a skill set that allows them to integrate into the community in a really healthy way.”
Salamone’s dedication to community integration extends to her plans for the COM. She envisions creating a mini-term course focused on topics such as music therapy or exploring the history of Black spirituals, further enriching the curriculum, and fostering inclusivity.
“The University seems to be deeply integrated into the community, and I am really excited about that,” Salamone said. “I am looking forward to being in a place where not only can I be integrated into the University community, but also into the local community.”
For Salamone, the heart of her work lies in her students. “Whenever I move to a new position, what I always look forward to most is meeting new students,” Salamone said. “The best part of the job is always the students, no matter where I go.”
As the COM continues to embrace its exciting new designation as a college, Salamone is eager to contribute to its growth and development. “The college is in a great spot in terms of enrollment and growth,” Salamone said. “I look forward to meeting new colleagues and catching the vibe of how everyone functions and seeing how I can fit in and how I can help.”