Susana M. Lalama, Ph.D., is the Director of the Petrie School of Music; Associate Professor of Music Education at Converse University.

Prior to her graduate degrees, she was Director of Bands at Barbara Goleman High School in Miami, Florida. Under her direction, the wind ensemble, jazz band, and marching band were recognized for their artistic, well-prepared performances and consistently received superior ratings at district and state music performance assessments.

When not conducting the Converse Wind Ensemble, Dr. Lalama teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in instrumental music education and conducting, and supervises student teachers in instrumental music. She also serves as the adviser of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education at Converse. She serves on the South Carolina Music Educators Association executive board as Chair of Music Teacher Educators, President-Elect for the Higher Education Division, and Editor of the SC Musician, the official publication of SCMEA.

Dr. Lalama is an active scholar, presenter, and researcher in music education. She has presented music education workshops on topics such as strategies for teaching beginning band, teaching intonation, classroom management for large ensembles, the student teaching experience, avoiding teacher pitfalls, and bringing out the artistry in teaching. Her research interests include perceptions of teacher caring, student social behaviors, and music teacher identity.

She has been recognized in Who’s Who Among American Teachers and was honored in 2009 for the Women in Action organization by being named Outstanding Woman of the Year. She is a member of many national and international professional organizations and has conducted several honor bands regionally. Dr. Lalama currently serves as an active band clinician, adjudicator, instrumental music education consultant, and mentor to new teachers.

Education

Ph.D. in Music Education, University of Miami - 2014

M.M. in Music Education, University of Miami - 2011

B.M. in Music Education, University of Miami - 2002

slalama@SpartanburgPhilharmonic.org
(864) 948-9020