Biography

Deborah Dunne Sousa has been the organist/choirmaster at St. John's Lutheran Church since January 1998. She directs the adult and children's choirs and also the handbell choir. Her children, Benjamin and Jessica are graduates of the University of Tennessee and her daughter Emily is a student at Farragut High School.  Dr. Sousa is a native of Long Island, NY. She received her Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Rhode Island and both her master's and doctoral degrees in Music Education.

In addition to her music leadership at St. John's Lutheran Church, she is a Lecturer in Music Education at the University of Tennessee, where she teaches courses in elementary and middle school vocal music methods, supervises field experience and oversees student teachers and interns in elementary and middle school vocal music education. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Sousa was the Director of University Child Care Services at Sam Houston State University, and served as an adjunct professor in both the music department and education department, teaching courses in elementary music education and supervising student teachers. Dr. Sousa began her teaching career more than twenty years ago in the public school systems of Hartford, Wilton, and Norwalk, Conn. She has taught music in both public and private schools in preschool, elementary, middle school and the college level. Dr. Sousa is also currently teaching music at the Episcopal School of Knoxville.