Influential Woman · Professional Development/Music Education
Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer
Transformational Coach/Distinguished Professor Emerita, 2915 Abbeville Ave, Wolfforth, TX 79382
Wolfforth, TX 79382
Her Story
About Dr. Lynn
Lynn Brinckmeyer is a Distinguished Professor Emerita at Texas State University and a nationally and internationally recognized educator, speaker, and transformational coach. She began her career as a public school music teacher and later pursued her doctorate to expand her impact in music education. Over more than three decades, she has been deeply rooted in the choral and music education world, preparing future teachers, directing children’s and elementary-level choirs, and maintaining an active children’s chorus until her departure from Texas State University. During her tenure in higher education, Lynn served in multiple leadership roles, including Associate Dean at Texas State University, where she developed a strong passion for mentoring educators and supporting teachers in helping their students succeed. She also served as National President of the National Association for Music Education, the largest music education organization in the United States, where she combined her commitment to teaching with national-level leadership and advocacy for the arts. Her academic and professional work has centered on strengthening music education while empowering educators to grow as leaders in their own right. Today, Dr. Brinckmeyer recently conducted the Rutter Gloria at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Lynn is a certified life and transformational coach with the Brave Thinking Institute, continuing her lifelong commitment to mentorship by helping individuals design and live lives they truly love rather than settling for what feels merely acceptable. In addition to her coaching and speaking work, she leads international delegations each year, an experience that has broadened her global perspective and deepened her appreciation for cultural learning and shared humanity. Through Brinckmeyer Enterprises and her ongoing speaking engagements, she continues to inspire transformation, purpose, and possibility in individuals and organizations around the world.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Lynn
01What do you attribute your success to?
The first thing that comes to mind is my mom. I lost her a few years ago, but it was her belief in me that I could do anything I wanted. When I wanted to be a music teacher, I knew I could do it because she was always, always in my court, no matter what. She was a divorced mom raising four kids, and she taught me so much resilience and to do what I love. Rather than settling for a job that was going to be okay, music was what I loved, so I pursued it. Her unwavering support and the lesson to follow my passion rather than settle has been the foundation of everything I've accomplished.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received through the years is to remember and ask myself - Do I really love this? If not, what would I REALLY love?
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Care about the people that you're talking to and listen to them. You know how to help them. Just listen to them, see where they are struggling, and learn more about them. Care about the other human or humans in the room more than yourself, because that gives you so much joy and gratitude for the ability to help somebody else. When so many young students get in front of people they worry about themselves: what if I make a mistake or what if I don't sound smart. Instead, focus on caring about others and listening to where they need help. By caring about others, you'll find more fulfillment and purpose in what you do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities right now is helping people find their purpose and human connection in a world that often feels overwhelmed and disconnected. In the field of education, as well as other fields and businesses, one of the biggest challenges is burnout, staffing shortages, and the emotional well-being of both teachers and students. At the same time, this is a time to use music, movement, collaboration, and the arts to build community and transform lives. In the coaching and speaking world more and more people are embracing personal growth and mindset work to create lives aligned with their core values and vision for a life they love. I believe my work across these fields allows me to bridge artistry, leadership, and personal transformation, I am dedicated to empower individuals to move beyond limitation, and create lives filled with purpose, joy, and impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is at the top of my list. In fact, that's part of the reason I moved to this part of Texas and left my university position. It was necessary to help family at that time, and now I'm closer to my kids and their families. I also value taking time for silent reflection and going internal, especially because I'm such a people person and very outgoing. I lean on my faith. My spirituality helps me connect and learn lessons from my choices as I continue to move up the spiral of my becoming. It's important to me to be the strongest and healthiest emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually so that I can help people, because it starts with me. I require the energy to do what I love so I can help others. Gratitude is central to everything I do, and traveling abroad has provided an opportunity to learn from so many beautiful humans I have met in other countries. Traveling has taught me to appreciate how fortunate we are here in the United States and to honor all of the privileges in my life.
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