Jennifer Snodgrass                             
Assistant Professor of Music Theory
Room 202
Phone (828) 262-6452
snodgrassjs@appstate.edu

Jennifer Sterling Snodgrass is currently an assistant professor of music theory in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in music theory, aural skills, and voice. Dr. Snodgrass received her B.M. in vocal performance from Meredith College and her M.M. in music theory from the University of Tennessee.  She was the first student to graduate from the University of Tennessee with a technology focus within the music theory curriculum.  In 2002, Snodgrass earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland where her research focused on computer-assisted instruction and pedagogy.  Her dissertation resulted in the publication of the InForm musical analysis software program, now marketed through Freehand Music Systems.

Currently, Dr. Snodgrass serves as the research development officer for the Hayes School of Music, evaluating external funding in the performing arts.  She has received numerous grants and awards in relation to technology and music instruction. In 2006, Snodgrass was awarded the Tablet PC Higher Education Award from the Microsoft Corporation for her integration of the Tablet PC into undergraduate theory courses. Her research in the efficacy of Tablet PCs can found in the 2009 publication of The Impact of Tablet PCs and Pen-Based Technology on Education, published by Purdue Press. Other research has been published in several journals including the Journal of Technology in Music Learning, The TI:MEs, Music Theory Online, and the Music Educators Journal.  Snodgrass has also presented papers, panels, and workshops at numerous national and regional meetings including ATMI, Society for Music Theory, College Music Society, TDML, WIPTE, MENC, and TI:ME. She has also received numerous awards in relation to excellence in undergraduate education, including the National DyKnow Educator of the Month, and the Hayes School of Music Outstanding Teaching Award.

Snodgrass launched her latest research endeavor, Exposition Music, in 2008.  This online assessment tool, created with a highly qualified development team, will allow theory instructors to customize their own tests and placement exams.  The design and development of Exposition is based on five years of research in music theory placement exams and provides a pedagogically sound environment for student testing in music.  Besides her interest in music technology Dr. Snodgrass research focuses on pedagogy, peer tutoring, and collaborative efforts with K-12 music education.

Snodgrass also remains active in all areas of service for several music organizations.  She is currently an officer in the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the College Music Society and is a member of research board for TI:ME.  In 2007, she was appointed as the National Conference Chair for ATMI and a member of the National Programming Committee for CMS.    Snodgrass also serves as the collegiate advisor of Sigma Alpha Iota and was named the national advisor of the year in 2007.

Besides her primary interest in music theory and technology, Dr. Snodgrass maintains an active vocal performance agenda.  She is a founding member and co-director of the Wilkes Community Youth Singers and is active in solfege workshops with Middle and High School Choirs. 

Collaborative Musical Analysis: The Integration of the Tablet PC into the Theory Classroom -
by Jennifer Snodgrass & Jeffrey Lazenby. PDF Document