Biography
Reagan G. Paras, is excited to join the Longy School of Music of Bard College as an adjunct faculty member this year! He serves as an Associate Professor for Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where he teaches in the Music Education Department. Throughout the academic year, he instructs both undergraduate and graduate students in Advanced Choral Conducting, Choral Rehearsal Techniques, Choral Literature, as well as conducts the Berklee Concert Chorus.
A passionate conductor, singer, and educator, he has directed performance tours across the United States and abroad. He participated in a European Performance Tour conducting in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. He is the Artistic Director for Many Voices: Mechanics Hall’s Youth Singers, performing repertoire that authentically honors the mosaic of cultures represented in the ensemble. He serves as Music Director for The Salisbury Singers, one of the premier choral ensembles in the state. Throughout the summer, he conducts the Kodály Music Institute Choir, which is comprised of music educators from across the globe. An emerging researcher, Reagan regularly presents at research symposiums across the United States. He is a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various music festivals across the country.
Teaching Philosophy
In education, I believe in equality, equity, and embracing the whole person. Student perspectives and personal learning strategies help me to guide course instruction. My instruction is approached through a humanistic lens that aims to create a classroom culture built upon trust and community. My classroom instruction strives to establish emotionally supportive learning environments where students are inspired to take academic risks while knowing they are safe and valued. Students are awarded autonomy, independence, and opportunities for ownership within their education. I actively seek current pedagogical practices (including utilizing technology to enhance instruction) and implement them into course instruction.
While music education could be rationalized through a functional lens, the subject of MUSIC wields tremendous praxial and independent value. The curricula in my courses, as well as the repertoire in my ensembles, are culturally responsive to the contemporary needs of society. A variety of learning activities provide students many pathways to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for each class and ensemble. When students experience education in a deep and meaningful way, the capacity for learning is at its greatest.
I am passionate about music making, but more passionate about watching my students succeed. I love what I do and I love to learn along with my students.