Dr. Phillip D. Payne is the current Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Kansas State University. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Associate Director for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance where he led MTD as the Music Executive for Accreditation, oversaw curriculum and assessment, and managed day-to-day aspects of MTD including teaching loads, funding requests, and line scheduling. His duties at K-State also included serving as Professor and Chair of Music Education specializing in Instrumental Music Education. Other responsibilities included Lead Advisor for Music Ed Majors, teaching classes in music education, supervising student teachers, and overseeing all operational aspects of the music education program. His research interests include curriculum and assessment, student and teacher mental health, job satisfaction, and transfer students’ experiences and successes.

ERIC TINKLER is a native of Rose Hill, Kansas, and a 2021 graduate from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s in Music Education. Eric is pursuing his Master’s of Music in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Kansas, under the instruction of Dr. Matthew Smith. 

At the University of Kansas, Eric serves as a guest conductor with the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and University Band. Additionally, Eric works with the KU Athletic Bands program. This includes serving as graduate staff for the Marching Jayhawks and co-directing the Women’s Basketball Band.

Eric’s professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, the National Association for Music Education, and the Kansas Bandmasters Association. In 2020, Eric served as the President of the Tau Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.