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Eugenia (Jean) Sinor, the daughter of Bernice and Joseph Trinajstic,
was born on September 22, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended parochial schools
there and later attended Webster College, where she was a merit scholar. She completed a
Bachelor of Music degree with majors in piano and music education in 1968. Jean was
honored by her alma mater in 1988 with a distinguished alumni award for her
"exceptional contributions to the music education profession and for bringing music
and musical literacy to the lives of many children."
Jean attended the Liszt Academy in Budapest and earned a certificate in solfege, pedagogy
and conducting there in 1969. Later, she worked as a general music teacher in the
Greensboro, North Carolina and Bloomington, Indiana schools and was a co-founder of the
University Children's Choir. Jean Sinor completed the Master of Music Education degree at
Indiana University School of Music in 1975 and was appointed as a Lecturer in music
education in 1976. In 1984, she completed the Ph.D. degree in music education and was
appointed as an Assistant Professor and chair of music education. She was promoted to
Professor of Music in 1998.
Jean Sinor was dedicated to the teaching principles of Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály
(1862-1967). She received a National Endowment for the Humanities Kodály Fellowship and
became internationally known for her work as a clinician and author of teaching materials.
Professor Sinor was known by colleagues and students as a versatile and gifted teacher.
She served as a visiting lecturer at twenty institutions and taught over seventy
workshops, nationally and internationally. She authored several scholarly articles and
four textbooks, including the Silver Burdett publications, Kodály Curriculum Guides, and
World of Music. Sinor's contribution is well summarized by one of her international
colleagues: "Jean was clearly outstanding in her field...I know of no music educator
in the United States I would rank above her... I would rank few as her equal or superior
even internationally in terms of her impact on her profession."
Her contributions to the Music Education Department at Indiana University covered with
great distinction the full range of the music curriculum from elementary music methods
through doctoral seminars. She advised over thirty theses and dissertations. As chair of
Music Education, she oversaw significant development in the Department's curriculum and
mission.
Jean Sinor's service was distinguished at all levelsher profession, university, school
and department. She served two terms as the president of the International Kodály
Society. In 1991, she was named Director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Music
and was a member of the Bloomington Faculty Council, Budgetary Advisory Committee of the
Bloomington Faculty Council, and the Freshman Curriculum Committee. She chaired a number
of committees including a Dean's review and search and screen committees. Her keen
leadership, intellectual, critical thinking and communication abilities were sought out
and valued by many.
Jean's humanity, incisive humor and generosity were appreciated by all who worked with
her. As Director of Undergraduate Studies, Jean Sinor advised over 1000 undergraduates
each year and served as a mentor to many graduate students.
Professor Sinor is survived by her husband, Professor Emeritus Denis Sinor; one sister,
Matilda Schwartz, and two nephews, Nicholas Schwartz and Gregory Schwartz.
Be it resolved that this statement become a part of the proceedings of the Bloomington
Faculty Council. Copies of it shall be sent to the University President and to members of
the immediate family.
Charles P. Schmidt
David Neumeyer
Allen Winold
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