Hello everyone, my name is Kelsey Milian Lopez, and I am a PhD candidate in Ethnomusicology at the City University of New York Graduate Center. My research explores how music connects to language, identity, and culture, particularly among Indigenous and Latin American communities. I earned my Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology from CUNY and my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Education from Furman University, where I focused on bilingual and multicultural learning.
I have taught a variety of college courses at Brooklyn College, including introductory classes in music and general education that help students navigate their first year of university life. My teaching philosophy centers on creating inclusive, engaging classrooms where every student feels that their background and voice matter. I enjoy connecting theory with real-world examples and often incorporate multimedia, sound, and discussion-based learning to make material relevant and dynamic.
Beyond the classroom, I have also facilitated workshops for undergraduate leadership programs and community initiatives that bring together music, storytelling, and cultural exchange. Teaching, for me, is about helping students recognize their own creative and intellectual potential while connecting what they learn to the world around them.