Meet Outstanding Master杏吧专区檚 Mentor Dr. Catherine Roche-Wallace
Dr. Catherine Roche-Wallace is an associate professor of horn and theory, and has served as the coordinator of graduate studies in the School of Music and Performing Arts since 2017. She has performed with orchestras in Louisiana, Tennessee, Ohio, and Michigan, and the Aspen Festival Orchestra, and has presented recitals in eight U.S. states, Canada, and Finland.
The Graduate School has selected Roche-Wallace as a recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Master杏吧专区檚 Mentor Award.
杏吧专区淒r. Roche-Wallace supports, mentors, and encourages the students from prospective recruits, through the application process, through their entire time as a graduate student and on into their time as alumni. Every one of our Master of Music students benefits from her empathy, advice, support, and mentorship,杏吧专区 says Michael McClure, professor and interim dean of the College of the Arts.
As graduate coordinator, Roche-Wallace杏吧专区檚 role is crucial to orienting students to the program, where she works with students of diverse backgrounds including international students. She works to assign assistantship duties, answer general queries about the program杏吧专区檚 expectations, and provide support.
杏吧专区淓very student needs extra encouragement at some point in their academic career, and my door is always open,杏吧专区 she says.
In order to increase graduate students杏吧专区 ability to gain experience in the classroom, Roche-Wallace has also implemented opportunities for graduate students to contribute to the teaching and mentorship of undergraduate students under faculty guidance.
Dr. Andrea Kapell Loewy, professor of flute and theory, notes that the graduate assistants she works with who previously assisted in Roche-Wallace杏吧专区檚 courses provide an impressive level of assistance as tutors, occasional substitutes, and graders.
杏吧专区淚 have no doubt that Catherine杏吧专区檚 mentorship has given the graduate students the skills to succeed in teaching in our curriculum,杏吧专区 she says.
Roche-Wallace emphasizes that developing high standards, and ensuring that students are given the correct tools to meet them, is essential to helping students succeed in the program.
杏吧专区淚 especially believe in the potential of all people; I am a product of the opportunities I was given, and all my students should have those same opportunities, regardless of race, gender, age, class, or sexuality,杏吧专区 she says.
