Biography and expertise
Dr. Soto earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas, a Masters of Arts in Ethnomusicology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Washington. She has undertaken certification studies in Orff and Kodály pedagogical approaches and holds a certification in world music pedagogy from the Smithsonian Institution.
Education
Doctorate Degree
PhD in Music Education
University of Washington, 2012
Master's Degree
MA in Ethnomusicology
University of Washington, 2006
Bachelor's Degree
BM in General Music- Instumental/Band
University of North Texas, 2002
Research Interests
Featured grants
- Soto, Amanda Christina. Musical Outreach Award for the Greater Palouse Region for Percussion Instruments for UI Music Education Department from the Sigma Alpha Iota, Moscow- Pullman Alumnae Chapter, $400. (Funded: 2012). Grant.
- Soto, Amanda Christina. Smithsonian Folkways Certification Course in World Music Pedagogy, CLASS Internal Funding, University of Idaho, $3500. (Funded: 2011). Grant.
- Soto, Amanda Christina. Enseñar las Raíces Tradiciónales del la Música de Conjunto (Teaching The Traditional Roots of Conjunto Music): An Examination of Conjunto Pedagogy, Texas State University REP, Texas State University, $12000. (Submitted: October 2025, Funded: January 2026 - January 2027). Grant.
- Soto, Amanda C (Principal). ¡Viva la Musica Mexicana! An Examination of Mariachi Pedagogy at the Collegiate Level in the State of Texas, REP, Texas State University, $8000.00. (Submitted: October 11, 2016, Funded: March 1, 2017 - May 1, 2018). Grant.
- Soto, Amanda C (Principal). Technology Grant, Technology Department, Texas State University, $5000.00. (Submitted: March 31, 2016, Funded: September 1, 2016 - March 1, 2017). Grant.
Featured scholarly/creative works
- Soto, A. C. (2024). New Waters in Music. In Sound Pedagogy (pp. 211–225). University of Illinois Press. https://doi.org/10.5622/illinois/9780252045592.003.0014
- Performer, Mariachi Cardinal Noche de Mariachi Concert.
October 26, 2023.
Performances:
- Noche de Mariachi Concert. University of Incarnate Word Bannack Concert Hall, San Antonio, Tx.
- Performer, San Antonio Community College Feria del Mariachi Spring Concert.
May 2, 2023.
Performances:
- Mariachi Ensemble Performance. McAllister Fine Arts Building, 1300 San Pedro Ave., SA,TX 78212.
- Performer, San Antonio Community College Noche de Mariachi Concert.
March 6, 2023.
Performances:
- Noche de Mariachi Concert. McAlister Fine Arts Theatre, 1300 San Pedro Ave., SA, TX 78212.
- Soto, A. C. (n.d.). New Waters in Music: Recognizing and Processing Trauma While Trying to Diversify a School of Music’s Curriculum Offerings. In Sound Pedagogy: Radical Care in Post-Secondary Music. Champaign, IL, USA: Illinois University Press.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Distinction Award for Service, Texas State University. 2016 - 2017
- Award / Honor Recipient: Program for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Texas State University. August 2014 - May 2015
- Award / Honor Recipient: Beech Scholarship, University of Washington. September 2008 - December 2008
- Award / Honor Recipient: Sorenson Scholarhip, University of Washington. January 2008 - June 2008
- Award / Honor Recipient: Perner Scholarship, University of Washington. September 2007 - June 2008
Featured service activities
- Member
Personnel Committee
- Member
Smithsonian Folkways Recording Education Committee Member
- Member
Inclusion in Underserved Populations
- Member
Center for Communication, Collaboration & Creativity (C3)
- Member
Alumni
- Member
Music Education Committee