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James L Reifinger, Jr. is an Assistant Professor of Music.  He oversees the curriculum and student advisement for the music education program and teaches music education courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  He earned a Doctorate in Music Education at Indiana University, a Master of Special Education at Lehigh University, and a Bachelor and Master of Music at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.  He also earned certification as a Kodály Specialist at New York University.  Prior to teaching in higher education, he worked for more than fifteen years in public and private schools as a teacher of general, vocal, and instrumental music in Grades K through 12.

In 2004-05, Dr. Reifinger conducted a year-long, experimental study in an urban school district in Pennsylvania, in which a researcher-designed program of sightsinging instruction was implemented in elementary general music classes.  The study examined several different variables that were found to effect and to be related to sightsinging achievement.  In 2006, he published an article, “Skill Development in Rhythm Perception and Performance: A Review of Literature”, in UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education.  In 2008, he will be presenting a research paper at the Music Educators National Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

In addition to working as a music educator, Dr. Reifinger is a respected organist and church musician.  He has served many congregations of various denominations and has performed organ recitals and directed choral concerts.  He currently serves as Organist/Choirmaster at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Monroe, Louisiana.

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Office Location: Biedenharn 139

Phone: 318-342-1577

Email: reifinger@ulm.edu