Dr. Daniel Isbell

Biography

Daniel Isbell is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Music Education and Jazz Studies at Penn State University. His academic journey includes prestigious positions such as Associate Professor and Head of Music Education at Louisiana State University, as well as Associate Professor and Chair of Music Education at Ithaca College. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in music education and research, contributing richly to the field. Prior to his current role, he was the Director of Jazz Studies at Boulder Arts Academy and held director positions in music education across various school districts in Colorado and New York. Isbell has also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Education, University of London, and as a Visiting Researcher at the Paul R. Judy Center for Applied Research, University of Rochester. His scholarship primarily focuses on occupational identity, socialization of music teachers, and popular music pedagogy. He has published in various journals and delivered presentations both in the United States and internationally. Recognized with multiple awards, including the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Council for Research in Music Education, Isbell's contributions to popular music pedagogy are acknowledged through the Modern Band Higher Education Fellowship from MusicWill. Beyond academia, he is an accomplished trumpet player, performing with various ensembles and bands. In his leisure time, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending quality time with his family.

Research Interests