Educating the Inner Ear

January 31, 2017

COE professor to present a free lecture and piano performance on March 3

Marla Morris, Ph.D. is a 17-year professor of curriculum studies in the College of Education’s Department of Curriculum, Foundations and Reading.

A former student at Carnegie Mellon studying as a pianist, Morris was once on track to becoming a professional musician. That was, until she got tendonitis in her right hand. Not knowing what would be next, Morris says she “let life happen” leading her to earn a bachelor’s in philosophy from Tulane University, a master’s in religious studies from Loyola University, and a doctorate in education focusing on curriculum studies from Louisiana State University.

On Friday, March 3, Morris will have her two worlds collide as she will present a lecture titled, “Educating the Inner Ear.” The event will conclude with Morris giving a live piano performance consisting of original music she composed.

“The lecture,” Morris explained “is on the importance of arts and aesthetics for educators, students and the community.”

Derived from her most recent book Curriculum Studies Guidebooks: Volume 2 Concepts and Theoretical Frameworks, Morris will discuss how the arts, education and instruction intersect.

“The arts can be used in any subject,” she explained. “They are not just a separate subject matter for specialists, but instead should be viewed as an enrichment. Enrichment,” she continued, “is used in teaching every day.”

Morris had given up playing the piano due to her injury, but decided she could no longer stay away from the ivory keys in 2010. She performed her first concert in nearly 20 years at the Telfair Museum in Savannah. Since then, she has performed at the Goodman recital hall at the Kaufman Center and at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City and gives concerts from her home. She is excited to take the stage at Georgia Southern’s Performing Arts Center.

“It’s a beautiful space with a great piano, and I get to be right here at the school with my students,” Morris said.

“Educating the Inner Ear: Lecture and Piano Performance by Dr. Marla Morris” will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 3 at the University’s Performing Arts Center. The event is free and open to the public.