Ashley Pontiff

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 is also the Camp Director for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Summer Music Camp. Her other teaching experiences come from The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Christian University, Metropolitan State University, and Brenham Christian Academy.

At CU Denver, Ashley teaches Music Theory, Ear Training, Class Piano, Music Appreciation, and Applied Piano Lessons. She also enjoys gardening, scuba diving, and skiing. She and her husband, James, live just outside of Denver with their English Springer Spaniel, Duke.