UWF music professor honored with 50-year service award

A University of West Florida music professor has been recognized for a milestone of career service. The Florida Music Education Association honored Dr. Larry Reed with the 50 Year Music Education Service Award during its annual professional development conference, held Jan. 10-13, 2018, in Tampa, Florida.

Reed, faculty associate in the Department of Music, has taught musical education to students from pre-Kindergarten to senior adults for the past 56 years, including 34 years at UWF.

“It has been a very gratifying experience to be honored by my peers in the FMEA,” Reed said.

“I’ve felt successful in making people feel that music is important, and that they have some insight into music. Music is vital and our lives are richer because of it.”

As a vocalist and choral director, he has dedicated his career to training the music teachers who will educate a new generation of musicians.

“Dr. Reed’s years of service have had a profound impact on music education in Florida. His dedication and commitment to excellence within the profession have shaped students and leaders within the field,” said Dr. Steven Brown, dean of the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. “We are honored and thankful for his contributions to UWF and the State of Florida education system. He is leaving a legacy that will impact future generations of educators.”

“His work with our music education majors and general education students is innovative and passionate. He guides music majors through their coursework and student teaching students with expertise and a joy and energy for the craft that is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Sheila Dunn, chair and associate professor in the Department of Music. “He is a legend, and he continues to bring unparalleled quality and expertise to music education at our institution.”

In addition to teaching, Reed has presented precursor lectures for the Masterworks series for the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Before joining UWF, he was an arts administrator at Escambia County School District, associate professor of music education at Eastern Kentucky University, and associate professor and director of choral activities at Campbellsville University in Kentucky.

In 2002, Reed received the Florida Arts Administrator of the Year Award for dedication to his profession. He was also president of the Kentucky Association of College Music Departments, and president and board member of the Gulf Coast Chorale.

FMEA is a not-for-profit, professional association that serves and supports music education across Florida.

For more information about the UWF Department of Music, visit uwf.edu.