Betsy Keithcart

Elizabeth Haydon Keithcart is a lecturer in music education. Dr. Keithcart received her EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of the Pacific in 2008. She completed the equivalency program at Pacific’s Conservatory of Music for board certification as a Music Therapist in 2007. She earned the MA in Education from Fresno Pacific University in 1986, with a concentration on the integration of mathematics and science. Her BA from CSU Chico in 1977 was in humanities with a minor in music.

In 2002, she left teaching in public schools to learn about music therapy and the effects of music on positive classroom climates. She began supporting the Conservatory’s music education student teachers in preparing for credential requirements in 2009. Presently, she teaches music education students about teaching and promotes the value of music in learning to all her credential students.

Dr. Keithcart’s first historical novel, Gremlin: Guardian of the Flying Tigers (2021), is based on her father’s experiences. The story describes the significance of music for American military members during WWII in China and draws upon her insights gained from conducting music therapy services with veterans.

Through the Conservatory of Music, Dr. Keithcart teaches Music for Children to future teachers and speech-language pathologists. As a Visiting Assistant Professor at Benerd College, she teaches music education students in specific courses, such as Transformational Teaching and Learning, a foundational course in learning theories and fieldwork practice; Literacy Development in Secondary Schools, a course exploring the role of literacy in music education and other content areas; and Student Teaching Seminar, which includes individualized support for music education student teachers through direct observations in their schools.