School of Music
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Ashley Pontiff is an active music theorist and experienced teacher at the K-12 and
collegiate level whose research specialties include music theory pedagogy, improvisation,
and music learning psychology. She has presented her work at the Rocky Mountain Music
Scholars Conference and the Colorado State Music Teachers Association. She is also
a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who enjoys composing and performing
many different musical styles.
She received her Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Theory from Baylor University and
her Master of Music (MM) in Music Theory from the University of Colorado Boulder,
graduating with highest honors. Ashley is a classically trained pianist who has been
playing for over 20 years and has over 10 years of combined experience accompanying/directing
church choirs and playing in bands (keys, vocals, organ) in various styles from hymns
to contemporary Praise & Worship, pop and rock to Gospel improvisation. Ashley has
also served as the Music Camp Director for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Summer Music
Camp for many years. Ashley has taught music classes at The University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado Christian University, Metropolitan State University, and Brenham
Christian Academy.