ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This dissertation is the work of a community, not an individual. I am filled with gratitude to the many people who helped to make this work possible.
My committee members. David Low, my advisor, chair, and guardian angel, who provided proactive and unwavering support plus a steady stream of new ideas and reinforcements just as I needed to hear them, from inquiry as stance and Kathleen Riley’s dissertation to theory of change and centering children’s voices. Selena Van Horn, a thought partner who introduced me to the potential of disruptive qualitative research methods and provided useful feedback to my project, its focus, and its language. Varaxy Yi, who encouraged me to dig deeper into theory and methods including critical feminism and community-based participatory action research, to think more critically, and to balance vision with pragmatism.
My participants. You are the heart, soul, and spirit of my dissertation. I have tremendous respect and gratitude for each of you, and thank you for the time, energy, inspiration, and wisdom you gave freely to this project.
My teachers. Mentors who have been bright lights during my post-baccalaureate journey. Rob Blaney, who planted the seeds of new thinking in choral music education during my student teaching. Walter Ullrich, who created a space and opportunity for transformation relative to social justice both in education and in life. Nancy Akhavan, who encouraged me to enter this doctoral program after completing my master’s in teaching. Victor Wang, who earlier sparked my interest in andragogy, adult learning theory, and self-directed learning.
vii
Christian Wandeler, who pointed me in the direction of self-determination theory and child-directed learning. Rohit Mehta who drove me to home in on my research questions. And there have been many more.
My cohort and colleagues. Supporters, partners, and co-conspirators throughout my doctoral journey, learning together, and collaborating on useful projects and assignments. My “A Team,” Elissa Caruth, Ariel Jackson, and Eric Lane, thank you for sharing your strength and wisdom with me, and for being there when I needed you.
My afterschool programs. Paul McNeff, director of KidSingers, and the leadership and teachers at The Wooden Floor, each of whom set living examples of the value education in nontraditional spaces can bring to students’ lives.
My students. You have taught me so much, including how much more you have to teach us. You inspire me to keep striving to center students in all educational activities and decision making.
My parents. Mom, Marilyn Frayne, who sang, danced, played the piano, and listened to LP, 45, and 78 records with me. You have been my inspiration in music, in the arts, and in life. Dad, Denny Frayne (Sr.), advocate of the underdog, who taught me the essence of social justice by word and by deed.
My children. Samantha Price, Steven Price, Denny Frayne (III), and Sophia Frayne. You have taught me more than you know, you are in my thoughts every day, and you are a special part of who I have become.
My wife. Grace Byeon, you have been supportive and a wellspring of motivation, inspiration, and insight. Thank you for letting me bounce my ideas, try out my thinking, and test my arguments. I am grateful for your tolerance and love
viii
as I worked too many hours and slept too few. I am fortunate you are on this journey with me.