Biography 

• BME, choral, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory
• MSSL, school leadership, Baker University
• PhD, choral music education, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory

Dr. Dustin S. Cates is a teacher, conductor, singer, researcher and proud native of Kansas City, Missouri. He is passionate about music making and its ability to have a positive impact on the human condition.  As a result of his experience as a leader and educator, he is in demand as a choral adjudicator, clinician, presenter, and conductor throughout the United States. 

Dr. Cates conducts the Temple University Chorale, supervises graduate students, and teaches courses in music education, choral/vocal pedagogy and choral methods. His research focuses on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in choral music. Prior to his work at Temple, Dr. Cates served as Artistic Director and Conductor of Heartland Men’s Chorus, taught high school choral music in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and served as Associate Director of Worship Arts at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. 

Dr. Cates is an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He serves as National ACDA Repertoire and Resources Chair for Tenor/Bass choral ensembles and is Past President of the Kansas Choral Directors Association. Dr. Cates considers his most important roles to be husband to Dr. Raymond Cattaneo, and father to their son Emmaus.

Works and Publications 

Book

Cates, D. (2020). From entertainment to social justice: Examining men's community choruses in America. D. Trott & G. Packwood (Eds.), Conducting men's choirs (pp. 122-124). GIA Publications.

Presentations

Cates, D. (2020). Choral directors' expereinces with gender inclusive teaching practices among transgender students. Virtual Graduate Guest Lecture for Contemporary Topics in Music Education, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO.

Cates, D. (2020). Choral directors' expereinces with gender inclusive teaching practices among transgender students. Virtual Graduate Guest Lecture for Contemporary Topics in Choral Pedagogy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS.

Cates, D. (2020). Everyone's song: Gender inclusivity in the choir room. Virtual Graduate Guest Lecture for Choral Pedagogy Seminar, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Cates, D. (2020). Everyone's song: Gender inclusivity in the choir room. Presentation at the Southwest American Choral Directors Association Convention, Little Rock, AR.

Cates, D. (2020). Everyone's song: Gender inclusivity in the choir room. Presentation at the Southwest American Choral Directors Association Convention, Little Rock, AR.

Cates, D. (2020). Inclusive choirs: Welcoming LGBTQ singers. Presentation at the Southwest American Choral Directors Association Convention, Little Rock, AR.

Cates, D. (2020). Safe singing spaces: Welcoming all singers. Presentation at the Temple Sings-World Strides Choral Festival, Philadelphia, PA.

Cates, D. (2019). The right notes: Exploring the traits of excellent choir teachers. Presentation for the Rutgers University American Choral Directors Association student chapter, New Brunswick, NJ.

Cates, D. (2019). Chasing the dream: Living your best music teacher life. Presentation for the School District of Philadelphia Music Teacher Professional Development, Philadelphia, PA.

Cates, D. (2019). Well visit: Happy career, happy life. Presentation for the Einstein Medical Center Pediatric Residency Program Retreat, Philadelphia, PA.

Cates, D, (2019). Everyone's song: Gender inclusivity in the choir room. Presentation for the Missouri Choral Directors Association Summer Convention. Jefferson City, MO.

Cates, D, (2019). The right notes: The traits of impactful choral directors. Presentation for the Missouri Choral Directors Association Summer Convention. Jefferson City, MO.

Cates, D, (2019). Everyone's song: Gender inclusivity in the choir room. Presentation for the Pensylvania Choral Directors Association Summer Conference. Pittsburgh, PA.

Cates, D. (2019). Factors influencing participation in gay men's choruses. Missouri Music Educucators Association In-Service Workshop Poster Session, Osage Beach, MO.

Cates, D. (2019). Factors influencing participation in gay men's choruses. Kansas Music Educucators Association In-Service Workshop Poster Session, Wichita, KS.

Cates, D. (2019). O let me shine: The early years of William Dawson. Missouri Music Educucators Association In-Service Workshop Poster Session, Osage Beach, MO.

Cates, D. (2019). O let me shine: The early years of William Dawson. Kansas Music Educucators Association In-Service Workshop Poster Session, Wichita, KS.

Cates, D, Cullen, S., McGuinnis, E. (2019). Exploring the traits of impactful music educators. Presentation for the Missouri Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. Osage Beach, MO.

Cates, D, (2019). Gender and sexuality in music education. Presentation for the Missouri Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop. Osage Beach, MO.

Cates, D, (2018). Vocal health for the new music educator. Guest lecture for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Student Teacher Seminar. Kansas City, MO.

Cates, D. (2018). Secondary choral director attitudes toward transgender students: A pilot study. Missouri Music Educucators Association In-Service Workshop Poster Session, Osage Beach, MO.

Cates, D. (2018). Secondary choral director attitudes toward transgender students: A pilot study. Kansas Music Educucators Association In-Service Workshop Poster Session, Wichita, KS.

Cates, D. (2018). Tenor-bass repertoire that works. Presentation for the Missouri Choral Directors Association Summer Convention, Jefferson City, MO.

Cates, D. and Ramsey, A. (2018). Gender in music education: Repertoire and instruction. Guest lecture for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Summer MME, Kansas City, MO.

Cates, D. (2017). Creating a safe space in the choir room for LGBTQ students. Presentation for the Kansas Choral Directors Association Summer Convention, Topeka, KS.

Cates, D. (2017). Creating a safe space in the choir room for LGBTQ students. Guest lecture for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Summer MME, Kansas City, MO.