Jacob Michael Dakon
- Associate Professor, Music Education & Music Therapy
- Area Coordinator, Music Education
Contact Info
Personal Links
Biography —
Jacob M. Dakon is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Kansas, Division of Music Education and Music Therapy. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Dakon taught string orchestra in the public schools of South Carolina and served as adjunct faculty at the Appalachian State University Hayes School of Music in Boone, North Carolina. Other positions included String Coordinator and Violin Instructor for the ASU Community Music School and Suzuki Violin Instructor at the James C. Harper School for the Performing Arts in Lenoir, North Carolina. Dr. Dakon also holds training in the pedagogical approaches of Paul Rolland, George Bornoff, and Shin’ichi Suzuki, all of which strongly influence his work.
At the University of Kansas, Dr. Dakon teaches string techniques, string methods, rehearsal techniques, instrumental conducting, music administration, qualitative research, and an introductory course in music education. Dr. Dakon’s research examines music education from a microhistorical perspective, focusing specifically on the development of string classroom education between 1910 and 1940. Other research interests include heterogeneous string instruction, community music, memorization, and music expertise. His published works can be found in the Journal of Research in Music Education, British Journal of Music Education, Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, String Research Journal, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, and the American String Teacher.
At the University of Kansas, Dr. Dakon teaches string techniques, string methods, rehearsal techniques, instrumental conducting, music administration, qualitative research, and an introductory course in music education. Dr. Dakon’s research examines music education from a microhistorical perspective, focusing specifically on the development of string classroom education between 1910 and 1940. Other research interests include heterogeneous string instruction, community music, memorization, and music expertise. His published works can be found in the Journal of Research in Music Education, British Journal of Music Education, Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, String Research Journal, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, and the American String Teacher.
Research —
Primary research interests include string instrumental pedagogy, string education history, community music, and music practice.
Teaching —
40% teaching; three-course load during Fall semester and a two-course load during Spring semester, as well as student-teaching observations and student advisement.
Teaching interests:
- Music education
- qualitative research
- string pedagogy
- instructional behaviors
- curriculum
- public school music program administration
Selected Publications —
Dakon, J. (2017). Studio teaching tips: Reconsidering b-flat instruction. American String Teacher.
Selected Presentations —
The Violet experience: Social interaction through eclectic music learning practice. - 2017 American String Teachers National Conference, American String Teachers Association. Location: Pittsburgh, PA. (3-03-2017).
“We’re in this together:” How memorization through meaningful social interaction can impact the future of music learning - “Music School of the Future” Conference. Location: Kingswood College, Grahamstown, South Africa. (8-05-2016).
Chorister’s perceptions of top-level choral experiences: Replication and extension. - 32nd ISME World Conference on Music Education, International Society for Music Education. Location: Glasgow, Scotland. (7-29-2016).
“They always have their music with them:” Examining the task-value of memorization in youth instrumental ensembles. - International Research Symposium for Talent Education, Suzuki Associations of America. Location: Minneapolis, MN. (5-27-2016).
Pre-bowing exercises: Navigating the awkward steps between pizzicato and détaché. - Clinic presented at the 2016 American String Teachers National Conference, American String Teachers Association. Location: Tampa, FL. (3-03-2016).
Spiccato: A long and bumpy road? - Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. Location: Wichita, KS. (2-26-2016).
Memorization and mental representations: Enhancing the practice abilities of young instrumentalists. - University of the Free State, Odeion School of Music. Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa. (7-23-2015).
Teacher perceptions of memorization in string instructional settings: An exploratory study. - Poster session presented at the 2015 American String Teachers National Conference, American String Teachers Association. Location: Salt Lake City, UT. (3-20-2015).
Student perspectives on building identity in mid-level collegiate choirs - 2014 NAfME Music Research and Teacher Education Conference. Location: St. Louis, MO. (4-11-2014).
Memorization from the perspective of the beginning-level strings student: Useful tips for string instrumentalists of all ages - 2014 American String Teachers National Conference. Location: Louisville, KY. (3-07-2014).
Pre-bowing exercises: Navigating the awkward steps between pizzicato and détaché - Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. Location: Wichita, KS. (2-28-2014).
Reviving the forgotten literature of Dr. Harvey S. Whistler, Jr.: An examination of important technical and chamber works still relevant to the 21st century studio and string class. - 2013 American String Teachers National Conference. Location: Providence, RI. (3-01-2013).
Collé! The key to smooth bow direction changes, bow distribution, and spiccato. - 2013 American String Teachers National Conference-National Orchestra Festival. Location: Providence, RI. (2-28-2013).
The missing link: Addressing bow control between staccato and spiccato - 2013 Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. Location: Wichita, KS. (2-22-2013).
An examination of aural and visual practice strategies exhibited by beginning-level string students when memorizing music material - 2012 Biennial Music Educators National Conference, National Association for Music Education. Location: St. Louis, MO. (3-29-2012).
Bringing the sounds of South Africa to the string orchestra Classroom: Strategies for enhancing your alternative styles curriculum. - 2012 American String Teachers National Conference, American String Teachers Association. Location: Atlanta, GA. (3-24-2012).
Dr. Harvey Samuel Whistler, Jr. (1907-1976): A pioneer pedagogue and researcher in instrumental music education. - 2010 Biennial Music Educators National Conference, Music Educators National Conference. Location: Anaheim, CA. (3-25-2010).
“More than playing songs:” Developing student social interaction through eclectic music learning practices. - 2022 American String Teachers National Conference. Location: Atlanta, GA. (3-19-2022).
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Position on the upper -Stringed Instruments: A Cellist and Bassist’s Guide. - 2022 American String Teachers National Conference. Location: Atlanta, GA. (3-20-2022).