Meet Your Professor: Dr. Molly Gebrian

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Assistant Professor at the Fred Fox School of Music

A MEMORY FOR MUSIC

Professor Molly Gebrian proves that you can be both creative and analytical – she’s passionate about understanding how people learn and experience music. Dr. Gebrian has degrees in neuroscience and viola performance, has published papers, served as Assistant Director of two interdisciplinary conferences on music and the brain, and has presented on topics having to do with music and neuroscience across the country. Learn how Dr. Gebrian uses science to unlock musical potential in University of Arizona students. 

What's the very best thing about your job at the university?

My colleagues and my students, definitely. I am constantly being inspired by their creativity, hard work, and exciting projects.

What are you working on that excites you?

I'm a professional musician, but I also have a background in neuroscience. As musicians, we express things that can't be communicated in any other medium. With neuroscience, I translate the research on learning and memory for musicians to help them practice and perform better. I love sharing this knowledge and watching how it helps them overcome frustrations and reach their potential.

What's your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

I absolutely love to read. I devour books – I’m always reading at least three different books at once and I read between 60–100 books a year.

What's the hardest or scariest thing you've ever done?

Moving to Paris without anywhere to live or speaking any French. It didn’t feel hard or scary at the time, but looking back now, I’m amazed I wasn’t more worried! The hardest thing I do on a regular basis is perform concerts. It’s my job, but it’s scary every time I step on stage.

What about you would most surprise your students?

Students are always surprised to learn that I’m extremely introverted. I’m a very friendly, outgoing person as a teacher, so most people assume I’m extroverted and social in my personal life, but when school isn’t in session, I’m a hermit.

What advice would you give a new college student?

It’s okay to not know what you want to study or do with your life. It’s okay to make mistakes. Keep exploring, keep trying, and know that we as your professors are here to help and support you.

So many Arizona faculty are like Dr. Gebrian – wondrously knowledgeable, insatiably curious, and ready to help you take whatever you are passionate about to the next level. Are you ready to become a Wildcat?