Meet Outstanding Master’s Mentor Dr. Catherine Roche-Wallace
Dr. Catherine Roche-Wallace is an associate professor of horn and theory, and has served as the coordinator of graduate studies in the School of Music and Performing Arts since 2017. She has performed with orchestras in Louisiana, Tennessee, Ohio, and Michigan, and the Aspen Festival Orchestra, and has presented recitals in eight U.S. states, Canada, and Finland.
The Graduate School has selected Roche-Wallace as a recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Master’s Mentor Award.
“Dr. Roche-Wallace supports, mentors, and encourages the students from prospective recruits, through the application process, through their entire time as a graduate student and on into their time as alumni. Every one of our Master of Music students benefits from her empathy, advice, support, and mentorship,” says Michael McClure, professor and interim dean of the College of the Arts.
As graduate coordinator, Roche-Wallace’s role is crucial to orienting students to the program, where she works with students of diverse backgrounds including international students. She works to assign assistantship duties, answer general queries about the program’s expectations, and provide support.
“Every student needs extra encouragement at some point in their academic career, and my door is always open,” she says.
In order to increase graduate students’ ability to gain experience in the classroom, Roche-Wallace has also implemented opportunities for graduate students to contribute to the teaching and mentorship of undergraduate students under faculty guidance.
Dr. Andrea Kapell Loewy, professor of flute and theory, notes that the graduate assistants she works with who previously assisted in Roche-Wallace’s courses provide an impressive level of assistance as tutors, occasional substitutes, and graders.
“I have no doubt that Catherine’s mentorship has given the graduate students the skills to succeed in teaching in our curriculum,” she says.
Roche-Wallace emphasizes that developing high standards, and ensuring that students are given the correct tools to meet them, is essential to helping students succeed in the program.
“I especially believe in the potential of all people; I am a product of the opportunities I was given, and all my students should have those same opportunities, regardless of race, gender, age, class, or sexuality,” she says.
