By graduation in May 2025, Lexi Brookshire had taught in 10 academic settings and students from 3 years old to high school. That paved the way to a Master of Music (teacher education) degree at Florida State University. She holds a graduate assistantship with the Center for Music Research.
Lexi is a passionate music education major whose future goals center around her interest in music advocacy. She believes all children deserve a high-quality music education.
A life in the arts
“The arts matter,” says Lexi, “because they provide so many people with an outlet to be themselves. They teach you how to be a professional in a discipline, and they teach valuable life skills and how to be a person.”
Lexi’s personal experience with music education first drew her to Berry. She attended high school all-state band workshops on campus and enjoyed spending time with Berry faculty. Both of her band directors were also Berry alumni. “I could really see myself thriving at Berry,” says Lexi.
Performing in multiple choir and music ensembles
Her freshman year, Lexi was placed in a Lifeworks job at the South Rome Early Learning Center. Music faculty noticed her talent. Soon she was teaching Kindermusik, a program for young children and their families.
“I loved applying my learning in different spaces while interacting with children and parents,” Lexi says. “Kindermusik taught me to follow lesson plans, differentiate instruction, work with parents and teach concepts to a variety of children.”
Lexi worked on five research projects and presented at three conferences in her time at Berry. She also prepared to be a well-rounded music educator by participating in several music ensembles: the wind ensemble, the Berry Winds, orchestra and women’s choir. She was in flute choir as well as a woodwind quintet and a trio.
With an array of professional opportunities and faculty support, students majoring in the arts thrive at Berry. Lexi concludes, “Everyone at Berry wants you to be the best version of yourself. This place has made me a better musician, educator and person.”
