Debra Hedden taught elementary general music in Iowa for 20 years, then joined the
faculty (1993) and later chaired music education at the University of Northern Iowa. In
2003 she began teaching at the University of Kansas, becoming chair of music
education in 2008. She was the national chair for the Society for General Music,
published over 20 research articles, served on the editorial boards for three research
journals, and made presentations in China, Tasmania, Australia, England, Canada, and
Lithuania. She received two Fulbright Scholar Awards and was invited to Lithuania to
teach undergraduate and graduate general music methods on five occasions. At KU, she
received a University-wide award for outstanding teaching. In Kansas, she conducted
various elementary choral festivals, provided in-service instruction for teachers, and
participated in a number of KMEA conferences as a presenter.