Music Education Faculty
Ruth Gurgel, Associate Professor of Music Education and Chair of Music Education, is a specialist in Elementary Music Education at Kansas State University. Dr. Gurgel holds a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with minors in sociology and educational policy. Her research interests include methods for integrating culturally relevant pedagogy with music education as well as integrating music across the curriculum. Dr. Gurgel continues to present her research at national and international conferences and is publishing both a book and a series of articles for music educators. Dr. Gurgel began her career teaching elementary music in large urban school districts in Colorado and Wisconsin, instructing students in the areas of general music, band, choir, and orchestra. She brings an eclectic approach to the elementary music classroom, integrating the techniques of Kodaly, Orff, Dalcroze, and Gordon.
Frederick Burrack, Professor of Music Education, joined the Kansas State music faculty as a music education specialist in Fall 2005. He oversees the graduate studies for the Music Program and is Director of the Office of Assessment associated with the Provost Office. Prior to Kansas State, Dr. Burrack taught instrumental music education at Ball State University from 2002-2005 and instrumental music in the Carroll Community School District in Carroll, Iowa from 1982-2002. At Carroll High School he initiated student self-assessment and portfolio development into the performance program. Dr. Burrack’s research interests include student learning assessment methods, cross-disciplinary instruction, and instructional thought development in music teachers. He has numerous publications in music educators and assessment journals, and has presented nationally and internationally. Link to more information.
Peter Weinert, Assistant Professor of Music Education, comes to K-State in Fall 2024 from Trine University in Angola, Indiana, where he was Director of Music. In that role he headed the music department as well as directing the “Sound of Thunder” Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra. Dr. Weinert is a native of Winfield, Kansas, and taught band at Pratt (Kansas) and Maize South (Wichita, Kansas).
Dr. Weinert earned his Doctor of Philosophy in music education (with honors) from the University of Kansas with a minor in quantitative research. His research explores all aspects of musical practice, with a primary focus on self-regulated learning. Additional emphases include required practice for elementary and secondary students, motivation, and vocalists’ practice. He has presented his research at international and national conferences, along with various state MEA conferences. A summa cum laude graduate of Kansas State University, Dr. Weinert earned a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Music (Trombone Performance), as well as a Master of Music Education from the University of Kansas.