Jessica C. Hajek, PhD
Assistant Professor of Music, Program Head of Music, Chair of the Humanities & Social
Science Department
Pacelli Hall, Room 95
210-528-7082
jchajek@ollusa.edu
Areas of Expertise
My area of expertise is urban popular music in Latin America, developed from intensive ethnographic research on carnival and the Haitian diaspora in the Dominican Republic since 2009. My research interests also include interdisciplinary sound studies, public musicology/applied ethnomusicology, and college music curricula and assessment. I also have experience teaching Western classical music and the Spanish language.
Teaching Philosophy
As a music educator, my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is rooted in culturally responsive teaching as a way to implement a more inclusive, dynamic, and socially engaged curriculum. Most importantly, I seek to create an environment of mutual respect between faculty and students where we can all feel accepted and connected. Through my commitment to the pursuit of excellence, innovation, and community in teaching, I emphasize discipline-specific and cross-curriculum writing skills and cultural proficiency, paying attention to student needs as much as to their academic success. These approaches are the result of my teaching experience in both Music and Spanish departments at several universities and colleges.
Outside Interests
I am an avid clarinet player who volunteers in the Heart of Texas Concert Band. I also enjoy salsa dancing and riding my bike.
Professional Certifications
- Performer's Certificate, Northern Illinois University (2007)
- Diversity and Inclusion Certificate, Cornell University (2022)
- The Humanity of Inclusive Practices: Recasting Agreements for Teaching and Learning
Certificate, Gardner Institute (2023)
- Teaching Excellence Certification (2023 and 2024)
The Rating System for Teaching Excellence is a faculty evaluation tool focusing on
teaching strengths and a commitment to continuous improvement. It assesses instructors
based on four key criteria, each rated on a scale of 1-5 stars. These criteria include
the clarity of instruction, organization of course material, ability to engage students,
and availability and helpfulness outside of class. Instructors are evaluated on their
clarity in explaining concepts, the organization of course materials, their ability
to engage and involve students, and their accessibility and responsiveness outside
of class. This system helps showcase and recognize exceptional teaching while promoting
ongoing enhancement of teaching skills.
- Online Course Instructor Certification
OLLU Peer Reviewer Certified Online Course Instructor Program Graduate. Members of
the Peer Reviewer Community apply their expertise to review courses and ensure that
they meet the rigorous standards set by the community. This is a crucial step in maintaining
the high quality of OLLU online programs.
Professional Memberships
- Society for Ethnomusicology (Latin American and Caribbean Section, Southern Plains Region)
- Texas Music Educators Association
- Texas Association of Music Schools
Awards
- Society for American Music – Adrienne Fried Block Fellowship (co-winner) (2018)
Education
- PhD - Musicology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Master of Music - Musicology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Master of Music - Music, Northern Illinois University
- Bachelor of Music - Clarinet Performance, Millikin University
- Bachelor of Arts - Spanish, Millikin University