Dr. Craig E. Ferrin
Age:
60
Residence:
Spanish Fork, Utah
From:
I grew up in Tooele, raised our family in Taylorsville, and will retire to Spanish Fork.
School of:
Arts, Communication and Media, specifically Music Education. My father was my band teacher growing up. Being a music teacher was simply what I was always going to do. I don’t know that I ever gave it a second thought.
Degrees:
1986 - Bachelor of Music – University of Utah – Major: Music Education
1987 - Master of Music – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Music Education
2002 - Doctor of Philosophy – University of Utah – Music Education
Academic goals:
I love to learn. Because I already hold a doctorate, I don’t really need another degree. Yet, if I were to do another program or degree, I think it would “Instructional Design.” Being a musician I realized that creativity is really a rather “messy” endeavor and in teaching creativity I realized I had to find a semblance of order to the process. This has led to studies in creativity, design thinking, project management, and agile management. Through it all I am become an expert in Creativity.
Dream job:
I am living it. I get to teach and learn and then teach again what I learn. What could possibly be better? Actually, I would like to start consulting in creative processes in addition to teaching at SLCC.
Why a career in higher education:
Being a musician, or even a creative, is difficult. Few musicians have a single job that they attend to every day as a musician. However, many musicians support themselves and their families well is independent businesspeople and contractors in music. I love to teach students how to be that musical and creative businessperson that allows them to pursue their passion and make a living at the same time.
Why SLCC:
At the time, the reason was easy. SLCC asked me to apply and offered me the job. Why do I stay? The students and people I get to work with.
What motivates you or inspires you at school and/or in life:
The students are my motivation to teach and learn. The world needs good music and I relish the ability to teach music, and also the opportunity to teach them to make a living as musicians.
Important life and career lessons you have learned so far?
One of the great tragedies of our public schools, at least when I was growing up, is that we had to learn to “do it right.” Even as a musician I learned to “play it right.” As I age, I have concluded that I have spent way too much of my life “doing it right” and not near enough of it “creating something new.” I have learned there are many, many ways to do things right, and not just the prescribed methods we were taught. Most people rebel as youth and mellow as they age. I seem to be doing the opposite. I played the games and did it right in my youth, now in my 60’s I find I am a lot more willing to entertain and celebrate creative differences.
Best advice you have been given or that you give others:
Learning doesn’t ever stop. The advanced and professional degrees we earn or merely licenses and knowledge to learn more and ask bigger and better questions. In a world where answers are often at our fingertips, it is the quality of our questions that make the difference.
Family:
I am married to the greatest and loveliest woman in the world and we have 6 children, 4 children in law, and 4.5 grandchildren.
Hobbies:
Travel, Hiking, Biking, Swimming (not running), being with my family, playing my trumpet, writing songs, conducting the Murray Concert Band.
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