Music Education student, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Bridget Koser was awarded the Richard G. Gaarder Award at the 2024 Wisconsin Music Educators Association conference in Madison. The achievement recognizes excellence in leadership, musicianship, and service to the music education community.
The award honors the legacy of the former executive director of the Wisconsin School Music Association, Richard G. Gaarder, who is credited with laying the groundwork for music programs and education throughout Wisconsin.
“He did a lot of really great stuff,” said Koser. “Receiving that award is recognition of my goal to be a teacher and help inspire kids through music. The award is a reminder that I can do that.”
Koser received the award at a uniquely profound time in her education as Koser is finishing the first round of dual certification for music educators in Wisconsin.
In years past, aspiring music education students in Wisconsin would receive certification in either choral or instrumental. However, Koser is a self-described “guinea pig,” graduating in the first class of students who are certified in choral, instrumental, and general music instruction.
“Usually if I were just choral music ed, I would be doing practicum teachings in a choral setting,” said Koser. “Instead, I am learning all the instrument pedagogies.”
Upon graduation, Koser will be able to conduct band, choir, orchestra, and general music courses from grades K through 12.
While a diverse array of musical experiences allows Koser to be a multi-instrumentalist, her primary instrument is voice. She believes this will be beneficial to her future students, whether they are interested in becoming vocalists or not.
“As a vocalist, I rely so much on my ear and the ability to hear something and reproduce it,” said Koser. “That’s a side of music education that I think a lot of instrumentalists may overlook… When kids are able to hear or sing what they want to play, it adds a whole other level of cognition into what they’re doing.”
When reflecting on receiving the Gaarder award, Koser discussed her upbringing in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where she attended a school with low-funded arts. This experience has driven her to enter the field of music education in hopes of helping children find inspiration through music.
“It makes me really sad because we have a lot of kids who are doing some pretty cool things in our community and they’re really great,” said Koser. “Growing up in a district that didn’t value the arts showed me that music ed is supposed to be encouraging and welcoming… We need more of that.”
Community is a highly important aspect of Koser’s life, heavily influencing her decision to attend the Peck School.
“That’s why I came here,” said Koser. “I saw that the music area is pretty tight knit… I really appreciate that faculty meets you where you’re at and work to help you grow and get better by giving you field experience.”
Koser enters her final stretch of education at Peck, planning to graduate in the Fall of 2025 upon completing her student teaching.
“I’m so grateful for everything, all the recognition that I’ve received both from the award and elsewhere; just all the opportunities that I’ve received at UWM… It’s incredible.”
Story by Jason McCullum ’25