The Humanities Division presents the Janel M. Mueller Award for Excellence in Pedagogy to one lecturer or instructional professor in recognition of excellence in teaching. This year, the Division has recognized Olga Sánchez-Kisielewska for her instruction in undergraduate musicianship courses including the Harmony and Voice Leading sequence and Musicianship Skills.
Assistant Professor Jennifer Iverson, who wrote the nomination letter for this award, says, "I consider Olga to be the most capable teacher of this kind of course that I have ever observed.
Olga insists not only that students learn by doing, but also that students know and critically reflect upon the historical foundations of the music they are studying. She engages students in a critical-analytical-embodied discourse that considerably enriches their understanding of tonal music.
Olga’s integrated teaching, along with her care for each student, provides an enviable environment in which our students holistically learn music.
Olga is an indispensable member of our Departmental intellectual and professional community. We all benefit hugely from her active presence, her innovation, and her creativity. The most succinct conclusion I can draw is this: Olga’s masterful integration of historical, critical, and practical ways of musicking upholds this University’s highest values of inquiry and knowledge.”
Thank you very much for your contributions to our Department, Olga, and congratulations!