Dr. Linda Thornton

Biography

Linda Thornton is a Professor of Music Education specializing in instrumental methods at Penn State University. She focuses on preparing music education students and teachers through teaching, conducting workshops, and publishing her findings. In her role, she teaches instrumental methods courses targeted at elementary and middle school levels, advises undergraduate music education students in the Schreyer Honors College, and regularly offers courses aimed at fostering reflective practice and assessment for current music teachers. Thornton's research interests are centered on pedagogy for beginning instrumentalists, music teacher recruitment, and reflective practice. She has authored articles in well-respected journals such as the Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education and the Journal of Music Teacher Education. A recognized leader in her field, she has served as Chair of the Society for Music Teacher Education and the research coordinator for the eastern division of the National Association for Music Education. Thornton received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her graduate degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, bringing extensive teaching experience from public schools in Illinois prior to her tenure at Penn State.

Research Interests