Juliet White-Smith

With a career spanning four decades, violist Juliet White-smith began a full-time college teaching career as a visiting instructor at Western Michigan University in 1987. In addition to university level teaching, she has also taught in the pre-college private studio. Student successes include acceptance and scholarship into graduate programs at major music schools and conservatories, in reputable orchestral training programs (NRO, Chicago Civic), in secondary education and in academia. Juliet holds degrees from Louisiana State University, University of Houston and Eastman School of Music. Her musical experiences have taken her all over the world from Brazil to South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. She enjoys the outdoors, having spent 21 years living and working in Colorado. Her kitchen specialty is Louisiana beignets which she makes for her adult children, a jazz trumpeter and a musical theater actress, who aren't afraid to take her phone calls! Learn more at https://music.osu.edu/people/white-smith.1

Personal Statement

I am honored to run for Studio Member-At-Large of our organization. I have been a member of ASTA since the early 1990s when I joined the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado. Since that time, I have been honored to serve as board member-at-large of both our Colorado and Ohio chapters. With over 40 years of teaching experience, I have taught from beginner level through the doctorate. I have led initiatives to bridge instruction with musical experiences, hosting and being involved in viola and string events at UNC and The Ohio State University, where I am Professor of Viola and teach chamber music and string pedagogy. I aim to empower the private studio teacher by strengthening community and a sense of belonging and relevance, increasing access to and ease of implementation of resources and programs like the ASTACAP that support the success of our teachers and their students.

Leadership Experience

My past leadership experience includes President of the American Viola Society (2008-11) and Founding President of the Rocky Mountain Viola Society. I was chair of the viola committee for the 2009 ASTA Syllabus and am a current member of the ASTA Wellness Committee. I served as Northern Representative of Colorado ASTA and as member-at-large of OSTA (Ohio). I am Area Head of Strings at Ohio State and served in this capacity at University of Northern Colorado.

Response to Challenges in String Education

Music is integral to one’s overall development and well-being. Participation has the potential to produce happy, healthy, confident people who are also independent and self-motivated learners. I would work to support the success and effectiveness of our private studio teachers, who can sometimes feel isolated. I would advocate to continue to make resources and programs, like ASTACAP, accessible and easy to implement.

Response to RIA

As a Black American, I have experienced the challenges and successes of representation, accessibility and inclusion, all of which are paramount to the success of music education. ASTA plays a key role in advancing this messaging. I can contribute to ASTA’s mission through the experience of my work and advocacy, including, but not limited to: Repertoire (viola) Specialist, Music By Black Composers; panelist/presenter for ASTA and other organizations; facilitator of the 2019 publication of viola works of Ulysses Kay.

Vision for ASTA

My vision for ASTA going forward is to continue to foster our sense of connection and belonging within the greater ASTA community, within each distinct discipline (classroom, private studio) and in collaboration across those disciplines. We must explore ways to continue to expand connections in partnership with other organizations within the greater music community. We must embrace technology responsibly, enjoying the opportunities it offers while prioritizing the wellness of our educators and students.