from the Univ. of South Carolina
Dr. Gail Barnes is (the recently retired) Professor of Music Education from the University of South Carolina and the Director of the USC String Project. She received her BM and MM from the University of Michigan and her PhD from the Ohio State University. Dr. Barnes teaches courses in stringed instrument methods and orchestral literature.
Dr. Barnes’s continued research interests revolve around community and school orchestra programs, with a particular focus on ensuring equitable access to music education for underserved youth. Her research has shed light on the positive impact of parental involvement and a supportive home environment on students’ musical development. Furthermore, she has shared her expertise and research findings at conferences across the United States and abroad, delivering insightful presentations in countries such as Australia, Italy, China, Greece, Scotland, and Brazil.
She is a co-author of Measures of Success for String Orchestra (published by The FJH Music Company), a method book for young string players. She is the founder of a forum for string and orchestra teachers on Facebook that has over 11,000 members.
Dr. Barnes continues to work with student-aged musicians. In addition, she has conducted All-State Orchestras in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan. She was the head adjudicator at the 2022 Victoria School Orchestra Festival (Melbourne, Australia).
