Jose Luis Diaz
Director of Graduate Music Education / Doctoral Lecturer
Dr. Jose Luis Diaz Jr. is a music educator with over 20 years of experience in curriculum design, music education, and educational leadership, currently serves as Doctoral Lecturer and Director of Graduate Programs in Music Education at Hunter College (CUNY). Previously, he was Assistant Professor and Director of Bands at Wagner College, where he established a PreK–12 Music Education major, led successful accreditation efforts, and revitalized the college’s Athletic Band program.
Dr. Diaz earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Learning with a concentration in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas. He also holds an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Wagner College, an M.S. in Educational Administration from St. John’s University, and a B.S. in Music from the College of Staten Island (CUNY). He completed Orff-Schulwerk certifications through the Northern New Jersey Orff-Schulwerk Association in partnership with AOSA. He currently serves on the Music Educators Journal Advisory Committee (NAfME), the University of St. Thomas Doctoral Advisory Board, and has adjudicated for the NJMEA and Success Charter Schools. In addition, he directs the band program at St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School.
Dr. Diaz’s research focuses on equity and access in music education, including how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted instrumental programs in New York City. He is the author of a book chapter on teacher preparedness and frequently presents clinics and lectures for music educators and students. His creative work includes film composition and conducting credits with Lionsgate, Marvel/Sony, Netflix, NBC Universal, and New Line Cinema, with features in Spider-Man: Far From Home and The Many Saints of Newark. He is a member of NAfME, NYSSMA, and other professional organizations. His work continues to center on equity, community engagement, and preparing the next generation of music educators.
- Ed. D. in Educational Leadership & Learning w/a concentration in Music Education
- M.A. in Higher Education, Learning Organizations Leadership
- M.S. in Educational Administration, School Building Leadership
- B.S. in Music
As a higher education music educator, I am committed to preparing culturally responsive, reflective, and student-centered teachers through inclusive pedagogy and experiential learning. My approach blends research-based practices with real-world application, emphasizing equity, community engagement, and creative expression.
I design courses that challenge students to think critically, teach authentically, and adapt to diverse learning environments. I believe effective teacher preparation requires not only technical and pedagogical skill, but also a deep understanding of the social and cultural contexts that shape music education today.
My research focuses on equity and access in music education, with particular attention to how systemic, social, and institutional factors influence student participation and teacher preparedness. My recent work explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on instrumental music programs in New York City, highlighting disparities in access and the resilience of educators navigating disrupted learning environments.
I am particularly interested in the ways music education can be reimagined to serve diverse communities through inclusive pedagogy and community partnerships. My scholarship aims to inform teacher preparation programs, influence policy, and contribute to the evolving discourse on justice-centered music education. Future projects will continue to examine the intersections of music and opportunity, with the goal of expanding access for all learners.
- Book chapter: Diaz, J. L. (2024). The evolving language of music: Reflections and recommendations for teacher preparedness in music education. In K. Gonzalez, R. Frumkin, & P. Gold (Eds.), Teacher preparation programs, partnerships, and the new landscape for the profession: The time for change is now. Brill-Sense Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004710030_001
- Diaz, J.L. “New York City Music Educators’ Perspectives of How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Access and Equity in Instrumental Music Education.” University of St. Thomas, ProQuest, 2023.