Gary Foster
Senior Lecturer of Music Theory
I spent my first 10 years teaching in the Ector County School District, Odessa TX. During those years I was active as junior high and high school choral groups. I also taught private piano in my home. By good fortune I met a choral clinician who came to direct a Summer Choral Clinic in Odessa; I was his accompanist. We became fast friends; he visited with me, my wife and son in our home. Later he came back as Adjudicator for the University Interscholastic League and judged my choirs I directed. My groups invariably got a "I" in concert and a "I" in sight reading. My friend indicated he would work to get me hired at his university in Oklahoma. Within 2 years we were moving to Oklahoma where I taught the next 28 years.
After my wife died I knew I needed to get away from the home we had; I had to re-invent myself in a new environment. I moved to Dallas and worked with a friend in his business for several years. Meanwhile, I was getting some part-time jobs with area junior colleges in music theory. In December '05 I got a call from SMU; the rest is now history. Without reservation, my position at SMU is the BEST gig I've ever enjoyed!
Education
Ph.D., Louisiana State University;
M.M., Texas Tech University;
B. M., University of North Texas
Professional Experience
I have taught many different courses in music, including Studio Piano, Music Theory, Counterpoint, Form & Analysis and Music Education Methods (elementary and secondary); served as Music Department head 12 years (Oklahoma); am a lifetime member of Phi Mu Alpha, national music fraternity; currently am faculty advisor to Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity at SMU. Also have conducted and accompanied numerous choral groups (public school, church choir) and served as organist for Episcopal churches (Oklahoma). Graduated with honors from UNT; 4.0 grade average on master's and Ph.D degrees.
Teaching
Music Theory I, II, III, IV; Aural Skills I, II, III, IV; Form & Analysis (MUTH 3350)
Distinctions
Recognized for Outstanding Teaching: Northeastern State Univ., Oklahoma.