Research Discipline/Bio
Denise Favela Apodaca is an Instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Master Instructor at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on trauma-informed pedagogy, healing-centered education, and the musical development of first-generation and Chicana/Latina students. A nationally recognized performer and educator, she has presented concerts across the U.S. and Mexico, highlighting underrepresented Latin American composers. She is the author of Music Across Civilizations: A Global Journey, an upcoming textbook that honors music traditions from cultures around the world. Denise also helped establish CSU’s Graduate Center for Inclusive Mentoring and has developed original courses blending music, identity, and social change. Certified in wellness coaching and inclusive mentoring, she creates student-centered environments that promote resilience, reflection, and belonging through music.
Educational Background
Denise Apodaca earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of California and holds dual Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Northwestern University. She also holds a Master of Education in Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. As a proud first-generation college graduate, she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in College Teaching of Music at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Honors/Awards
Denise was named Best Teacher of the Year in 2016 and nominated for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. She received the Excellence in Teaching and Outstanding Service Awards from the College of Liberal Arts at Colorado State University and was honored as Honors Professor of the Year. She is an NCTM and a Distinguished Honorary Member of NSCS, recognized for fostering inclusive excellence and student engagement.
Publications/Exhibitions
Apodaca, D. F. (in progress). Music Across Civilizations: The Human Story. [Textbook manuscript].
Apodaca, D. F. (2024, January). Self-compassion for educators: Starting the cycle. Workshop presented at the CSU Professional Development Institute, Fort Collins, CO.
Apodaca, D. F. (2021, February). Career experience: Graduate professional development panel. Panel presented at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Apodaca, D. F. (2020, February). A day in the life of non-tenure track faculty. Workshop presented at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Apodaca, D. F. (2019, January). Using the Individual Development Plan for non-tenure track faculty. Workshop presented at the CSU Professional Development Institute, Fort Collins, CO.
Apodaca, D. F. (2019, January). Campus equity concerns of non-tenure track faculty. Workshop presented at the CSU Professional Development Institute, Fort Collins, CO.
Apodaca, D. F. (2018, April). Proposing a new course: Infuse your department with global learning. Guest presentation for The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Apodaca, D. F. (2015, March). March to Education Honorary Address. Keynote presented at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2025