James Sochinski receives XCaliber Lifetime Achievement Award
James Sochinski, professor of music in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, received the university's 2008 XCaliber Lifetime Achievement Award.
Established in 1996 by Office of the Provost, the XCaliber Award (shorthand for exceptional, high caliber work) is presented annually by the Virginia Tech Center for Innovation in Learning to recognize individual faculty members or teams of faculty and staff who have made significant contributions towards integrating technology in teaching and learning experiences. The award celebrates innovative approaches to teaching with technology that illustrate student-centered approaches to learning activities. Recipients receive a cash award and are called upon to demonstrate their award-winning work with their colleagues.
The XCaliber Award selection committee commended Sochinski’s innovative teaching in the area of music history and analysis.
History and Analysis of Musical Styles is an innovative course sequence developed over 14 years which revolutionizes the way music history and analysis are taught. Integrating advanced theory, analysis and literature into a non-chronological, analysis and styles-based program, technology is used extensively to enhance both the traditional lectures as well as laboratory components where self-paced and interactive learning occur. The multimedia learning environment enables efficient delivery of material and the resultant drama excites learners and keeps them actively engaged.
Sochinski received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree from the Peabody School, and a Ph.D. from the University of Miami.
