Ruth Brittin

Ruth Brittin is professor of music education and chair of the Department of Music Education at University of the Pacific. She has been at the Conservatory of Music since 1997.

Brittin has a wide range of responsibilities including teaching undergraduate courses in elementary and secondary music methods, laboratory ensemble for both undergraduates and graduates, research and current issues courses for music education and therapy graduate students, and supervision of student teachers and interns. She also advises the music education majors and has received Pacific’s Faculty Mentor Award.

In addition to performing on French horn, Brittin is an active clinician, conductor and adjudicator for ensembles. She is a published and commissioned composer for band, orchestra and chamber music.

Brittin is currently a member of the Executive Council for the Society for Research in Music Education (a professional organization for music education in the U.S.) and the USA Representative for the International Society for Music Education’s Research Commission. She has served as the chief editor for two journals, the "International Journal of Music Education: Research" and "Update: Applications of Research in Music Education" and has served on the editorial boards of the "Journal of Research in Music Education,” “Teaching Music" and "College Music Symposium.” She publishes articles and presents research for the International Society for Music Education, National Association for Music Education and state music education organizations. She has served as distinguished visiting professor at several universities across the country and is the higher education and research representative for California Music Educators Association.

She received her PhD in Education from Florida State University in 1989, the MME from Texas Tech University in 1985, and the BME from Texas Tech University in 1983. She was associate professor and chair of music education at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY from 1989 through 1997.