A faculty member since 1994, Professor Deborah Mitchell is Director of Music Education at CSULB where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, string methods, and prepares and supervises student teachers. She has a B.M. and M.M. from Hartt College of Music, University of Hartford, and a D.M.A. in music education from the University of Southern California.

Prior to her appointment at CSULB, she taught at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, UCS, UCLA, and the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Her specialized areas of expertise include Gordon Music Learning Theory, string pedagogy (she is a violinist), and arts advocacy.

Professor Mitchell is Chair of the California Coalition for Music Education and State Advocacy Representative for the California Music Educators Association. She is a frequent speaker on arts advocacy for local school districts, parents and business, and community organizations. Married and has one daughter, Professor Mitchell enjoys reading, camping, and hunting for antiques.