Lynn Brinckmeyer
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, 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.
• Certified Life and Transformational Coach
• Brave Thinking Institute
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Building Your Cybersecurity Vocabulary
• Eastern New Mexico University - BS, Education
• Eastern New Mexico University - Master of Music Education, Music Education
• The University of Kansas - PhD in Music Education
• Distinguished Professor Emerita
• Lowell Mason Award
• National Association for Music Education (NAFME)
• Outstanding Alumni
• The University of Kansas
• National Association for Music Education (NAFME)
• Leading Educational Delegations Internationally
What 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.
What 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. So many young students getting in front of people worry about themselves, like if I make a mistake or what if I don't sound smart. But if you just focus on caring about others and listening to where they need help, you'll find the fulfillment and purpose in what you do.
What 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, to help family at that time, and I'm closer to my kids now. I also value taking time for silent reflection and going internal, especially because I'm such a people person and very outgoing. I have a strong faith and I'm very spiritual, which helps me connect and learn lessons from my choices. 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. If I don't have the energy to do what I love, then I'm not helping anyone else. I also deeply value helping people and caring about others, which sometimes means I put too many things on my calendar because I want to help. Gratitude is central to everything I do, and traveling abroad has taught me to appreciate how fortunate we are and to learn from people in other countries.
Locations
Texas State University
Wolfforth, TX 79382