Photo Courtesy of Florida State University’s Office of Faculty Development and Advancement
Beginning the 2024-2025 academic year here at Florida State University, the College of Music welcomed a new faculty member – Dr. Mckenna Stenson, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education. Not only does Stenson teach music education and conduct FSU’s soprano-alto choir, but she also focuses on amplifying women’s voices in the field of music careers.
Stenson conducts research on the gender divide in music careers such as education, conducting, and composing. According to BBC Music, only 11.2% of conductors around the world are women. Stenson brings this to light on her podcast, conduct(her), along with her sister and co-host, Kyra Stahr.
On conduct(her), they invite women in music fields to talk about their journey and experiences in this field as a woman. The goal of this podcast is to amplify these women’s voices, especially in the choral area. Stenson reflects on what the goal of this podcast is.
Stenson said, “Our goal is to highlight the many successful women in the field of choral conducting and to address the significant gender equity gap in choral music. By showcasing the talents, struggles, and successes of women in the choral community, we aim to create new opportunities that support gender diversity and inspire future women conductors.”
Stenson continues, “The interviews from our podcast give advice and insight from those who are currently in the field, and address topics such as returning to school, work-life balance, burnout, microaggressions, entrepreneurship and more.
“Our hope is that these answers serve as a ‘community’ for women currently in the field and those working to become future choral music conductor-teachers.”
With conduct(her) already having three seasons, they are set to launch another in 2025. One of these new episodes includes featured guest, Dr. Tracy Wong. In this future episode, they discuss, “…imposter syndrome and how comparison can negatively impact [your] field,” as stated by Stenson.
Stenson continues to advocate for women’s voices during her time at FSU. She is currently working with FSU’s soprano-alto choir, also known as “Levana,” to make their voices heard. Their repertoire solely consists of pieces by female composers. Her work with the choir speaks lengths in the stories they tell with their music.
“Levana” is FSU’s soprano-alto choir and is open to all students. “Levana” is known for telling powerful stories with their repertoire every semester. Stenson’s arrival at FSU did not change this, but amplified it.
Stenson spoke about her upcoming fall concert with “Levana” on Nov. 5th, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at Opperman Music Hall
Stenson said, “The fall ‘Levana’ concert is themed around a children's book by Amanda Gormon titled ‘Change Sings.’ This program features entirely women composers or arrangers and speaks to the power of how many small changes can make a vast impact.”
A “Levana" singer and College of Fine Arts student, Dylan Valdes, reflects on their time working with Stenson.
Valdes said, “You can tell that she absolutely loves what she does. She’s definitely a master in her craft. She’s super dedicated and makes sure that no one feels left out”
“Being a person that needs some accommodations because of my POTS, she has always listened to me and adjusted for what I needed," Valdes continued. "Doing concerts has become increasingly harder for me so I wasn’t sure if I could stand the whole time, but Dr. Stenson told me she'd have a chair on stage for me.”
Additionally, Ally Kelso, a “Levana” singer and a College of Music student, reflects on her time working with Stenson.
Kelso said, “She really cares about everyone as an individual. She makes a point to engage with people one-on-one during rehearsal, such as asking how our days are. There are around 80 people in 'Levana,' but she really tries to know everyone’s name and know you as a person, not as a number.”
Finally, Stenson gives some words of advice to those studying music, “Don’t compare yourself to others – you are enough. Work to grow in your own craft and practice to see small improvements every day.”
Stenson continued, “Finally, find your community of people you can trust and lean in. We are better together, and these relationships will help to sustain you in times of joy and challenge in the field.”
Working with Stenson and observing her dedication to allowing women to feel heard is an experience everyone should and is welcome to have. “Levana” continues to grow, as does her podcast conduct(her).
Conduct(her) is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Comments