Professional Development

Over the past several years, Oakland University’s Music Education faculty have curated a range of State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHS) professional development sessions designed to support teachers in their ongoing growth. These workshops have covered diverse topics, presented by specialists in the field, such as world choral traditions, equity-centered and trauma-informed approaches, music for well-being, technology integration, innovative teaching strategies for adolescent and elementary learners, and creative approaches to choral and vocal practice. Recent offerings include Introduction to Guitar (Parts 1 and 2), Demystifying MIDI and Music Composition, and Music Education for Social Change. We are currently planning new sessions for the 2025-2026 school year, and invite educators to sign up for our mailing list to receive updates.

Bring Leading Music Educators to Your Program or Event

Looking to inspire your students or colleagues? Dr. Cat Bennett, Dr. Crystal Berner, Dr. Pam Klena, and Professor David Visnaw are available as clinicians and speakers for individual rehearsals, district events, and professional development sessions. Together, we bring a wide range of expertise in music education, conducting, and pedagogy.Learn more about each of us and our specialties below. We would love to collaborate with you—please reach out using the contact information provided.

Dr. Pam Klena (instrumental music)

Oakland University Assistant Professor of Music Pam Klena conducts the OU Symphonic Band, teaches music education and conducting, and supervises student teachers. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, she researches gender diversity in conducting and serves as President of Women Band Directors International. An active clinician, conductor, and presenter, she champions diverse repertoire and community collaboration.

Topics for Possible Presentations: Gender Diversity in the Conducting Profession, Inclusive Repertoire and Representation, Audience Engagement and Recruitment in the 21st Century, Mentorship and Leadership in Music Education, Practical Pedagogy for Instrumental Music Educators, Conducting Instruction/Refinement.

Please feel free to contact Klena directly at [email protected].

Professor P. David Visnaw II (instrumental music)

P. David Visnaw II, Music Education Lecturer at Oakland University, taught 27 years of instrumental music in Michigan public schools – serving as Instrumental Music Director at Anchor Bay High School for much of that time. During his public school teaching career, Professor Visnaw’s ensembles performed at the Michigan Music Conference on multiple occasions and averaged superior ratings at various MSBOA festivals. The ABHS Jazz Ensemble was recognized for excellence statewide with numerous performances at the Detroit Jazz Festival and top awards at the CMU Jazz Festival. Additionally, the Anchor Bay School District was recognized as one of the “Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America” by the American Music Conference, and the “Award of Distinction” by the ASBDA. Professor Visnaw teaches Marching Band Methods, Jazz Pedagogy, Instrumental Techniques for Vocal Music Ed Majors, supervises student teachers, and is the Director of the Golden Grizzlies Band. 

Topics for Possible Presentations: concert band adjudication, clinics, and sectionals; jazz ensemble adjudication, clinics, and sectionals; marching band adjudication and clinics; solo & ensemble preparation and adjudication, instrumental music program and teacher consultation.

Please feel free to contact Visnaw directly at [email protected].

Dr. Crystal Berner (general music)

Crystal Berner, Ph.D., is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Education at Oakland University. She teaches elementary general methods and educational psychology/music learning, supervises student teachers, and holds BME (2009), MME (2018), and Ph.D. from Florida State University. Her research explores timbre, teacher identity, and trauma-informed, community-centered music educator development.

Topics for Possible Presentations: trauma-informed pedagogy, itinerant elementary music education, professionally speaking, teaching evaluation

Please feel free to contact Berner directly at [email protected].

Dr. Cat Bennett (choral and creative vocal music)

Dr. Cat Bennett, assistant professor of music education at Oakland University, offers PD for choir, creative vocal music, culturally responsive pedagogy, and place-based learning. Drawing on global teaching and research—from South Africa to Argentina—she specializes in imaginative, holistic approaches that can inspire teachers and enrich K–12 classrooms.

Please feel free to contact Bennett directly at [email protected]