Megan Boone, Director of the Center for Career Development and Experiential Education at Morehead
State Universitypresents Dax Lewis with a Level Up certificate (5/6/26) – photo © Dr. Sylvia Henneberg
Daxson Lewis, Director of the Traditional Music Studies program at Morehead State University, was recognized as a Level Up faculty member this week.
Let’s have him explain the award.
“Wednesday, May 6, I was recognized as a Level Up faculty member of Morehead State University. This initiative aims to build (or level up) students’ essential career skills – oral communication, written communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and professionalism – helping prepare them success in the job market.
Each Level Up class is designed to teach students about these career skills, and facilitate hands-on experiences during the semester so they can put these skills to work. This may be done through undergraduate research, education abroad, service learning, or internship.
As director of the Traditional Music Studies program, I saw the need to implement this initiative into our curriculum and chose to begin by Leveling Up a section of Traditional Music Ensemble. The ensemble, known as the Mountain Music Ambassadors, tours regularly, representing MSU and bluegrass music around the country, and as far away as the People’s Republic of China, Hungary, and Slovakia – professionalism is paramount!
In addition to normal course requirements, students were required to participate in self-study, real-world activities, and a variety of assignments that developed and reinforced the professionalism skillset. Students put their learning into action and took the reins during high-profile events such as the IBMA Convention in Chattanooga, TN, putting these skills directly to use.
In order for the Level Up distinction to be bestowed upon students (appearing on their transcript), they must pass a formal assessment using the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) in which they provide a written statement demonstrating their ability to articulate how they advanced their professionalism skillset. I am very proud to say that all students in the course earned this distinction!
It is exciting to see the synthesis of traditional music and academia continue to develop. These efforts continue to lend legitimacy to the study and practice of these musical styles in higher education!”
Congratulations to Lewis and his students!
Dax is also the banjo player with the David Parmley Band and The McLain Family Band.
The Tradition Music Studies program at Morehead State awards either a BA or a minor to students at the school in Morehead, KY.
