Introducing 3 new faculty!
Elisa Alfonso, Raymond C. Morales Post-doctorate Fellow in Ethnomusicology
I am so excited and honored to join the University of Utah’s outstanding group of music scholars and students. I look forward to expanding course offerings in ethnomusicology, celebrating Latinx musicking, and connecting with wonderful students and community members!
Elisa Glen Alfonso is currently a PhD Candidate in Ethnomusicology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is honored to be joining the University of Utah as the Raymond C. Morales Postdoctoral Fellow in Ethnomusicology in the Fall.
Alfonso’s current research examines the politics of childhood migration and traumatic memory as manifest through music, with specific focus in the case of the Cuban American community and Operation Pedro Pan. More broadly, her research focuses on the U.S. Latinx experience, the politics of memory, and musical performance as it relates to childhood and children. She is passionate about public-facing as well as academic scholarship and has already published several public-facing works. These include an article for the Library of Congress’s Folklife Today blog and two mini-articles for the National Park Service’s digital initiative Oíste: Listening to the Salsa Stories of Afro Latin Music.
In addition to her forthcoming PhD in Ethnomusicology, Alfonso received a Master’s degree in Ethnomusicology from Florida State University (2019) and two Bachelor’s degrees from East Carolina University (BM Flute Performance; BA Hispanic Studies) (2016). She also served as East Carolina University’s 2022-23 Interinstitutional Scholar in Musicology where she designed two new courses: “Music and Memory” and “Children’s Musicking and Soundscapes.” She is a dedicated pedagogue, drawing on UDL models and working to create safe spaces in her classrooms that facilitate open dialogue.
Steven Heffner, Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in Jazz Studies
I am honored to join the University of Utah School of Music faculty and I could not be more excited to immerse myself in the regional jazz community against the backdrop of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States!
"One of the most talented bassists of his generation, a delight to work with. His ability to work on any genre makes him a crucial music asset in any format..." - Scott Tixier
Originally from eastern Washington, Steven has spent the greater part of his life making music in a variety of genres and venues throughout the United States. His sound has been hailed as fearless and evocative. He has performed with numerous artists, including Chris Potter, Bill Watrous, Hal Galper, Christian McBride, and Louis Bonilla and has been invited to perform in China, Colombia, and Europe. Steven has toured internationally with groups including In 6ix and Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. Equally comfortable as a leader or a sideman, Steven brings a spirit of collaboration and generosity to his artistic endeavors.
Steven has pursued studies at Eastern Washington University and the University of North Texas in performance, jazz studies, and music theory, culminating in a dissertation on the free improvisation of Dave Holland and Sam Rivers on the 1976 album Holland/Rivers Volume 1. This research focused on a sampling of ways Holland and Rivers interact in the domains of melody, harmony, form, and energy. His research interests also include using applications of schema theory for analysis of improvised music to generate pedagogical perspectives that respect the jazz tradition and incorporate a cognitive approach.
Steven serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the Jazz Ensemble at Simpson College. He has worked at Eastern Washington University, Marshall University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, University of Evansville, and the University of North Texas where he has taught subjects including applied bass, jazz theory/improvisation, jazz ensembles, and music theory/aural skills courses.
Olivia Tucker, Assistant Professor in Instrumental Music Education
I am thrilled to join the warm community of outstanding music students, faculty, and staff at the U! I look forward to serving and partnering with music educators throughout Utah and enjoying the beauty and culture of Salt Lake City.
Dr. OliviaTucker comes to the U from the University of New Mexico, where she is an assistant professor and coordinator of music education. With expertise in music teacher agency, teacher preparation, and music performance evaluation, Olivia's research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and regularly presented at regional, national, and international conferences. Olivia holds leadership positions in the American Educational Research Association and the Society for Music Teacher Education. Originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Olivia taught band before earning a PhD from the University of North Texas.