Radford University
Jennifer McDonel
Associate Director OURS/Professor
Music, Dept of
- Phone:
- (540) 831-6626
- Address:
-
Artis Center 421
PO Box 6968 - Email:
- jmcdonel2@radford.edu
Focus and Philosophy: Dr. Jennifer Sutton McDonel believes music is part of who we are as humans. Her passion is helping every child discover their own musical voice, because she believes everyone can learn music. To McDonel, teaching music is an ethical responsibility and a point of advocacy. As a specialist in Music Learning Theory and early childhood music education, she works to understand how music shapes young minds, helping both students and teachers develop.
Background: Dr. McDonel’s love of music started young and by middle school, she already knew she wanted to teach music. She began her career as an elementary school band and orchestra director while earning her master’s in music education. Later, as a Kindermusik and early elementary teacher (and a new mom), she discovered how powerful music could be for the youngest learners. That led her to shift focus to early childhood music and earn a Ph.D. so she could inspire the next generation of music teachers.
Teaching: At Radford University, Jennifer McDonel serves as Professor of Music and Director of Music Education. In this role, she prepares students to become effective, impactful music educators. She also serves as Associate Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, helping college students reach their potential through research and creative projects. She is the 2022 recipient of the Donald N. Dedmon Distinguished Teaching Professor Award. Beyond campus, she trains music teachers nationwide through the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.
Research/Scholarship/Creative Work: Dr. McDonel’s research explores connections between early music and math learning. National organizations like Primrose Schools and ZERO TO THREE have sought her expertise to create songs and educational materials that support early music development and connect to other areas of learning. She has released two albums of children’s music in collaboration with David Rivers. Little Beats: Counting, Shapes, and Sets (2023) was considered for a Grammy. Little Beats: Grand Old Time - Science and Engineering Songs was released in July 2025. In 2025, she was also awarded the Dalton Eminent Scholar Award.