Mentorship plays an integral role in the identity development of graduate students in choral music education. Yet, there is limited discussion on how mentorship intersects with race, gender, sexuality, and power, particularly in relationships where White faculty mentor students of color and/or queer students. This session draws from an autoethnographic study that examined my experiences as a first generation, gay, Mexican-Ecuadorian American navigating two contrasting graduate choral programs: a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).
Using a conceptual framework grounded in Racial Battle Fatigue, Social Identity, and Sense of Belonging, this session will explore how mentorship practice can either cultivate environments where students thrive or contribute to isolation. Particular attention will be given to how power dynamics, implicit bias, and proximity to dominant cultural norms influence mentor-mentee relationships in choral music.
Target Audience
P-12 music educators, collegiate music educators, conductors, higher education students
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Ramon Cardenas
San Diego State University
Dr. Ramon Cardenas is honored to be the Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at San Diego State University. He teaches music education courses, conducting courses, and conducts the University Choir. Dr. Cardenas holds a PhD in Music Education from Florida State University. He is a passionate conductor-educator and researcher.
Dr. Cardenas’ research interests relate to DEI initiatives, preservice teacher preparation, blending music with fitness, and pop music’s influence on identity formation and informal learning. He has presented his research regionally, nationally, and internationally at music education professional conferences and has been published in Florida Music Educator, Visions of Research in Music Education, and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education.
Prior to his graduate studies, Dr. Cardenas taught high school choral music and was the music director at several churches in Southern California. In addition, Dr. Cardenas is an active conductor, pianist, and singer-songwriter. When he’s not teaching, he’s most likely spending time with his partner and two corgis (Noodle and Soup), weightlifting, playing video games, or baking.