Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith (she/her) is a PhD student in music education at Northwestern University. She holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Instrumental Performance from California State University, Stanislaus and a Master’s of Music in Music Education from the University of the Pacific, where her research focused on the influences of mariachi on student attainment, achievement, and engagement in school and at home. During her time at UOP, she served as Dr. Ruth Brittin’s Graduate Research Assistant, where she received the “Women of Distinction” award for her work with at-risk students and in gender equality. Prior to moving to Chicago to attend Northwestern, Victoria taught music for sixteen years in California and Washington states. Throughout her teaching career, she taught band, strings, choir, general music, and most notably mariachi. Though she is new to the Chicago area, she has fallen in love with the city and the people, in no small part thanks to the walks she takes with her dog, Buddy. Victoria is excited to become a part of the Music House family and is looking forward to meeting her new students.