Graduate Spotlight: Krysta Mirsik DePuy The educator from Hackettstown, New Jersey, shares how it took her 11 years to find the right graduate program for her. November 20, 2025
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Editorial Staff
Image courtesy of Krysta Mirsik DePuy
What's it like to be a Berklee grad? Our Graduate Spotlight series asks alumni about their Berklee experience-what they learned in class, what kinds of projects they're involved in now, how they recharge, and of course, what advice they have to share. In this installment, get to know educator Krysta Mirsik DePuy MM '23 from Hackettstown, New Jersey, who studied music education (autism concentration).
Tell us about your path to Berklee. What made you decide to come here?I waited 11 years post-undergrad to look for a Masters program because I didnt feel drawn to any program in particular. As I worked in different school districts, I noticed that I was teaching disabled students in almost every placement, and that I was good at it according to those around me. All I thought I was doing was good teaching! Thats when I realized I needed to switch from getting my information from once-a-year conference sessions to devoting my studies to a full-blown Masters degree. Luckily, when I expressed that interest online, Dr. Rhoda Bernard shared information about the Berklee program, and I was on my way to applying!
What was your favorite class, and what did it teach you?I enjoyed all of my classes, but I particularly liked Special Needs and the Gifted Child and Autism, Music, and Behavioral Teaching Methods run by Professor Vicki LaRiccia during my very first semester in 2021. I learned so much history and content in those classes related to special education that I still use every day. I even turned my final projects from those courses into sessions that I now present at music conferences!
When you were a graduate student, how did you typically recharge or find new ideas outside of class?Ill be honest, recharging was a challenge! Not only was I in graduate school, but I was planning my wedding as well. My now-husband and my best friend were excellent at checking in on me to make sure I was taking breaks and getting some non-academic time for myself (usually in the form of boba, baths, and a non-academic book). To find new ideas outside of class, I followed neurodivergent people on social media to gain insight into their experiences. I also followed other educators for tips and tricks, too, since we are stronger as a community.
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What is your current job, and what do you love about it?I am currently a K-5 general music teacher and 4-6 grade band/chorus director at Theodore Roosevelt School No. 10 and Sallie D. Gamble School No. 7 in Passaic, New Jersey. I love that I get to see students over the course of multiple years, and can witness their growth over a period of time.
Whats a project youve worked on since graduating from Berklee that youve been especially excited about?
In August 2025, I was featured on Music for Alls Culture Before Content podcast discussing accessible and inclusive music education. In January 2024, Tempo magazine published my article, Sensory Safety for Students: Predictable Routines in Instrumental Music.
I have also presented workshops on behalf of the NJ Performing Arts Center, and at the NAfME Eastern Division Conference, NJMEA State conference, Massachusetts MEA State conference, and ABLE Assembly conference in Boston.
Whos an educator that inspired you?Meeting Dr. Alice Hammel for the first time was a revelation. I discovered that the educator whose books were the foundation of my graduate studies was personable, funny, and amazingly intelligent. It was in that moment that I realized I could have a career as an academic and not give up a bit of my personality.
When it comes to your teaching, what is something that you find rewarding?I find it rewarding that my students are learning to love themselves through their experiences with me. I normalize all types of learning and expression, and always let my students know its okay to try!
When it comes to your teaching, what is something that you find challenging?Something I find challenging is when other teachers dont share the same growth mindset towards students as me, because I think that just hinders their ability to achieve!
Find out how to apply to a graduate program in music education.
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Graduate Spotlight: Krysta Mirsik DePuy The educator from Hackettstown, New Jersey, shares how it took her 11 years to find the right graduate program for her.
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