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Date of Graduation
5-15-2026
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Master of Music (MM)
Department
School of Music
First Advisor
Annie Savage
Second Advisor
Rachel Grimsby
Third Advisor
Amy Birdsong
Abstract
Much of the available literature on the status of string education in the United States highlights the need for qualified string teachers. However, limited researchers have analyzed the reflections and perspective of retired string teachers. Retired string teachers have a unique ability to provide insight to preservice and current string teachers from a reflective lens. In this historical narrative study, I examined the 40-year career of orchestra director Laura Mulligan Thomas through her contributions and experiences. I utilized previous string education literature to define an effective string teacher. I employed semi-structured interviews, observations of a string techniques class that Thomas taught at a public university, and analysis of artifacts in my data collection process. Based on previous literature on the topic, Thomas exemplified the qualities of an effective string teacher throughout her career. The narrative history of retired string educators could offer valuable perspectives on effective string teaching through the sharing of their experiences in their own words.
