Russ J Faunce
Adjunct Instructor: Off-Campus Teaching Supervisor
Russ Faunce is an accomplished educational leader and passionate advocate for music education, currently serving as Immediate Past President of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). With more than four decades of experience, Russ has built a distinguished career as a teacher, administrator, and champion for the arts.
Russ began his professional journey as a music educator in the Watertown City School District, where he inspired high school students through vibrant choral and theater programs. His success in the classroom led to leadership/administrative roles in the Watertown Schools overseeing comprehensive academic and extracurricular initiatives, always with a focus on student-centered learning and equity.
Widely respected for his collaborative style, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to helping students thrive, Russ has spent the past decade mentoring students from the Crane School of Music. He encourages innovative practices that meet the diverse needs in today's public school music classrooms. Additionally, his work with post-secondary graduates has taken him into the college classroom, teaching fundamentals of music, music theory, and class piano at SUNY Jefferson.
Always open to new musical opportunities, Russ happily fills any free time left in his professional life by playing for local productions and ensembles.
Finally, Russ is a proud graduate of the Crane School of Music holding both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in music education with a concentration in piano.