Q&A with New Music Chair A.J. McCaffrey
By Heather Parker
Q: What drew you to take on the role of chair of the Department of Music?
AJ: It felt like the right time to step up. I’m starting my 12th year at CSUN, and the longer I’m here the more curious I am about the bigger picture—how decisions are made through the Department, the College, and the University, and how those choices affect us culturally and in society at large. My mindset is to be a helper. I want to contribute, support colleagues, and lead constructively.
Q: What do you see as the Department’s strengths?
AJ: I tell students that music is an art, a science, and a craft. You’re here to develop in all three areas. This community is where you’ll form lifelong friendships and collaborations. Music inherently builds community in ways other disciplines might not, and I want to strengthen that.
Q: What is your vision for the department’s growth?
AJ: It’s not just about increasing numbers. My focus is on improving the quality of the student experience—inside and outside the classroom. That means improving classroom engagement, creating more opportunities, making it easier for students to be here, and ensuring they feel supported. This may involve scholarships, new initiatives, and fundraising, but the aim is always to serve students better.
Q: How do you see different music styles fitting together within the program?
AJ: I’d like to broaden students’ exposure across styles—jazz, classical, pop, commercial—and encourage collaboration. This is partly a curriculum issue, making sure we’re not replacing one canon with another, but rather teaching transferable musical skills and critical thinking.
Q: AI is changing every field. How do you see it affecting music students?
AJ: I see two sides: understanding AI, and applying it. Students must be careful not to let AI take over critical thinking and creativity, just as you wouldn’t use a forklift at the gym instead of lifting weights yourself. I’m not against AI, but we must teach students to use it responsibly while preserving the learning process.
Q: Finally, what message would you like to share with students, faculty, and alumni?
AJ: I want to help make our department the best it can be. We’re here because we love what we do, and we should support each other. No egos—just collaboration and having each other’s backs. That’s especially important in the times we’re in.