Casey Hayes, Ph.D.

“I believe that everyone has a capacity to love, make and experience music. The skills and discipline that make a great musician are the same skills that make a great student, a great teacher, a great person. I use music to teach the student how to achieve; how to identify those unique qualities within themselves that will help them become the person they desire to be.”

Title

Professor and A.J. Thurston Endowed Chair of Music; Music Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities

Educational Background

  • Ph.D., New York University – New York, NY
  • M.M., Butler University – Indianapolis, IN
  • B.M.Ed., Butler University – Indianapolis, IN

Year Joined Franklin

2009

Expertise

I have published and presented extensively on the subject of creating an LGBTQQ Inclusive Music Room and Pedagogy that is sympathetic to the LGBTQQ student.
I research and present on and perform historical music of the Gay and Lesbian community and work to champion causes that promote Civil Rights for the LGBTQQ Community.

As Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus and past Director of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, I write and research the Gay Men’s Choral Movement as well as champion the formation of new ensembles throughout the world.

I am fascinated with Cabaret Music and the Historical Politics of the Weimar Republic of the early 20th century, having recreated many original manuscripts of songs pertaining to early Gay civil rights.

How does the Franklin College Music Department prepare students for careers in music?

Students who attend Franklin College to major in music are introduced to the wide array of career possibilities in music outside of the traditional teaching and performing programs. At FC, we focus on preparing students to work within Community Music programs, encourage the study of Not-for-Profit organizations, grant writing and national and international internships to gain experience that few institutes of higher learning provide to a music major.

Selected Professional Accomplishments

I have conducted choral ensembles around the world, particularly in New York City: Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Merkin Hall, Skirball Hall, and Town Hall as well as on Broadway at the Nokia Theater, all with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.
I am extremely proud of my Musical Directorship of Tony-Award winning actress Joanna Gleason (Into the Woods, Spamalot) and my work with some of New York City’s finest talent.
I have authored two book chapters on Community Music within the LGBT Community as well as Inclusive Pedagogy for the LGBTQQ student (Routledge Press) as well as several articles and presentations on music within the LGBTQQ Community, including the International Society for Music Education (ISME) World Conference in Kuala Lumpur in 2006 and the 2016 ISME World Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

What Students Say

“Dr. Hayes is one of the most compassionate and understanding professors that I have come in contact with while on campus here at Franklin College. He takes you under his wing and molds you into a strong, open-minded individual that is accepting of all individuals, no matter where you come from or where you plan on going after Franklin College. He not only teaches you concepts of music and performance, but also essential life skills needed in order to succeed in life and for you to reach your highest potential as an individual.” – Christian Bowling ’19

In My Spare Time…

In my spare time I love to collect and repair antique German musical beer steins as well as 19th century keyboard instruments.