2017 Outstanding University Teacher Award Winner, Non-Tenure Track

Ben Stiers, D.M.A.

• D.M.A. in Percussion from University of Kentucky (2011)
• Instructional Assistant Professor, School of Music;
  Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Percussion

Teaching Philosophy

Every student has the same fundamental needs– opportunities for growth, challenges that can be overcome through hard work and critical thinking, and the support and encouragement to try new things.

My motivation to become a college professor comes from

My passion for music, but also from the wonderful teachers and mentors I’ve worked with along the way. Because so much was given to me, I can’t help but want to give to the next generation!

The person that has been the most important influence in my teaching career is

David Collier.  He saw my  potential and accepted me as a music major. He taught me so much about what it means to be a musician.

I want to continue to improve my teaching in the following ways

I hope to develop even more effective ways to give growing musicians opportunities and skills that will be useful to them in the long term, while still making sure they have a great experience.