Biography
Crystal Berner, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Music Education/Associate Director for Student Success at Texas State University. Crystal earned her Ph.D. in Music Education at Florida State University, where she also received her Bachelor of Music Education and Masters of Music Education. Crystal taught within Florida public schools for 16 years, with a focus in choral and elementary general music. An avid scholar and presenter, Crystal’s current research centers around music teacher professional development, trauma-informed pedagogy, music teacher identity development, and music teacher education. She especially enjoys bringing large groups of musicians together to form a community and believes in the truly transformative power of “musicking.”
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Doctor of Philosophy, Music Education
2022 – 2025
Dissertation title: Effects of Varied Timbral Instruction on Singing Production [Defended dissertation on June 26, 2025]
Dissertation advisors: Dr. Ann Harrington & Dr. Steven Kelly
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Master of Music Education, Choral Music Education
Summa cum Laude
2016 – 2018
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Bachelor of Music Education, Choral Music Education
Magna cum Laude
2005 – 2009
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Doctor of Philosophy, Music Education
2022 – 2025
Dissertation title: Effects of Varied Timbral Instruction on Singing Production [Defended dissertation on June 26, 2025]
Dissertation advisors: Dr. Ann Harrington & Dr. Steven Kelly
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Master of Music Education, Choral Music Education
Summa cum Laude
2016 – 2018
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Bachelor of Music Education, Choral Music Education
Magna cum Laude
2005 – 2009