Laura Parker is an Assistant Professor of Music Education and Pedagogy. In 1991, she joined the Peabody faculty, after completing the Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of Kansas with an emphasis in Flute Performance. Strong background in research is an outgrowth of learning from leaders in the field:  Dr. Alice-Ann Darrow (experimental and descriptive) Dr. Rudolf Radocy (measurement and assessment) and Dr. George Heller (History of Music Education). As skilled in the classroom and ensemble rehearsal setting as in the private studio, high level content and best practices in Pedagogy for the voice and instruments are woven throughout the curriculum of the courses she teaches. Dr. Parker is an active adjudicator, clinician and consultant.

Collaboration in the development of Professional Development Schools and support of teachers and programs within the Baltimore Metropolitan Area (both city and county) has been a lifelong endeavor with best interests and support of students and music as the priority. In 1997 she was appointed coordinator and developed Peabody’s MM Performance/Pedagogy program which supports the professional development of some of Peabody’s finest musicians that aspire to be future leaders in Pedagogy, “studio setting,” in their area of specialization.  While serving on the Maryland Music Educators board, Laura founded the MMEA Mentorship Program intended to help support new music teachers in their first years of teaching and encourage early career involvement in the professional community. Fall 2018 “new projects” included the expansion of Peabody’s Piano Pedagogy Project at Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School (launched in spring 2018) as well as added support of their overall music program through teaching and learning experiences of Music Education Majors.