D.M. Northwestern University; M.M. Michigan; B.S. Music Education University of South
Florida
Director of Bands, Instrumental Music Education, Conducting
Shelley Axelson is currently the Director of Bands at Radford University in Virginia
where she conducts the Wind Ensemble, Campus-Community Band, graduate conducting students,
and teaches courses in the music education curriculum. She was previously an Assistant
Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Bands at Montclair State University
in New Jersey for twelve years where her duties included conducting the Symphonic
Band and teaching courses in conducting, instrumental methods, and music education.
She also served as an academic advisor, faculty advisor for Sigma Alpha Iota, and
created a Campus Band and Pep Band so students majoring in a subject other than music
would have an opportunity to continue their musical education and experiences.
Axelson earned her undergraduate degree in music education from the University of
South Florida, where she studied conducting with Jerry Junkin, Michael Votta, and
Mallory Thompson. She continued her training by earning a Master of Music degree
in Conducting at the University of Michigan, where her principal teacher was H. Robert
Reynolds. After graduating from Michigan, she taught at Pasco Middle School in Dade
City, Florida (co-author of the Secondary Music Curriculum), and Richardson Junior
High in Richardson, Texas.
After earning her Doctorate in Conducting with Mallory Thompson at Northwestern University,
Axelson was appointed Director of Bands at Central College in Pella, Iowa where she
was responsible for running all aspects of the band program. After three years in
Iowa, she relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana to become the Assistant Professor of
Music Education at the University of Indianapolis. In 2009, she joined the faculty
of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University in New Jersey and
has been at Radford University since the fall of 2022.
Axelson is a highly sought-after conductor, clinician, presenter, and adjudicator
for professional development events, band festivals, honor bands, and conferences
throughout the United States and Canada. She recently presented at the National Association
for Music Education Regional Conference in Atlantic City and the Mid-West Band and
Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
Axelson is a proud member of the College Music Society, College Band Directors National
Association, National Association for Music Education, and Sigma Alpha Iota.