Faculty Profile: Jane Fiske, Music

What is your educational background?

• My Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees are from the New England Conservatory of Music in piano performance.  After teaching at the Walnut Hill School for Performing Arts and the Saint Mark’s School, I decided to return to school myself and earned a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in music education from Boston University.

How long have you been teaching at Fitchburg State University?

• I have been teaching at Fitchburg State University since 1986; first as an adjunct professor and then as a full time professor in 1989.  I have taught courses in music history and music theory as well as interdisciplinary courses and applied instruction in piano and voice. 

What attracted you to teach at Fitchburg State?

• The students at Fitchburg State University are the best!  They are smart, hard-working, dedicated, and inspire me each and every day to do my best. I love getting to know students and sharing music together. I also have a strong family connection to FSU as my grandmother, great aunt, mother, niece, and nephew all graduated from the university. 

Tell us about your program.

• The Humanities Department has a music minor featuring three tracks; music history, music theory/composition, and music performance.  Students have opportunities to participate in vocal and instrumental ensembles and private instruction.  Students may also pursue an Interdisciplinary Degree with music as the main focus.

What career opportunities are available to students who complete your program?

• Students with a music minor and/or an Interdisciplinary Degree with music as the main focus find career opportunities in education, communications media, health care, social sciences, arts and cultural affairs, to name a few. 

What advice do you give to prospective students?

• Be passionate about your studies! Wake up in the morning excited about heading off to class.  Whether it is a math class or a music class.   Attending college is an exciting journey that is only the beginning of your career path.  Take advantage of every opportunity available to you at the university, get to know your professors, your classmates, and yourself. FSU is the perfect place to successfully achieve your goals and map your future.