Jacob M. Dakon

Jacob M. Dakon is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Kansas, Division of Music Education and Music Therapy. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Dakon taught string orchestra in the public schools of South Carolina and served as adjunct faculty at the Appalachian State University Hayes School of Music in Boone, North Carolina. Other positions included String Coordinator and Violin Instructor for the ASU Community Music School and Suzuki Violin Instructor at the James C. Harper School for the Performing Arts in Lenoir, North Carolina. 

At the University of Kansas, Dr. Dakon teaches string techniques, string methods, rehearsal techniques, instrumental conducting, music administration, and an introductory course in music education. As a member of the string education field, he serves as a member of the American String Teacher Association Collegiate Committee and the editor of the Kansas American String Teachers Association Newsletter.

Dr. Dakon’s research interests include heterogeneous string instruction, community music, memorization and music practice. His published works can be found in the Journal of Research in Music Education, British Journal of Music Education, Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, String Research Journal, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, and the American String Teacher. Dr. Dakon is also a contributing member of the International Research Symposium for Talent Education (IRSTE) research group, and a research fellow with the University of the Free State in South Africa.

Dr. Dakon received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of South Carolina, Master of Music in Violin Performance from Appalachian State University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from The Ohio State University. Other pedagogical training includes pre-service teaching at the USC String Project and Suzuki pedagogy. Dr. Dakon is also an active musician and conductor in chamber and orchestral settings.