Colin Thuringer ’25, prepares to begin his career as a music educator

Colin Thuringer, a Concordia University, Nebraska alumnus, graduated this past May with a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Vocal and Instrumental Music Education and his LTD. He is now about to begin his first year as a full-time teacher. 

The recent graduate originally found his way to Concordia through several honor band and choir days hosted on the university campus. These experiences, combined with the great things Thuringer had heard about the music program, propelled him towards Concordia. 

When he started at Concordia, Thuringer was not sure if he really wanted to be a music teacher. However, the support and encouragement from the music faculty helped him to discover that his calling truly was in music education. 

When asked about his time at the university, Thuringer stated that his experiences provided him with the skills to succeed in his current vocation.

“Concordia taught me that tenacity and persistence is vital in all areas of life. God does not challenge us with anything we cannot handle, and all of the faculty and staff helped me see that.”

He also talked about how Concordia helped strengthen and develop his faith. 

“I grew up in the LCMS [Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod], but never really prioritized my faith. Once I arrived, it became very clear to me that everything we were doing was to God’s glory, and that realization made me further appreciate His influence in my life.”

“Concordia taught me that tenacity and persistence is vital in all areas of life. God does not challenge us with anything we cannot handle, and all of the faculty and staff helped me see that.”

Additionally, Thuringer mentioned that Christmas at Concordia was one of his favorite parts of attending Concordia. He said that the scope of the annual event really proved to him how Christ-centered everything was.

Thuringer received a call to serve as the music director at the Lutheran High School of Indianapolis. “I’m hoping for a long and fruitful career within this school and possibly other schools in the LCMS in the future.”

Thuringer’s position involves meeting with a variety of students in classes like choir, band, music history, praise band and piano lab. “My job here is to build up students in their love and understanding of music each day,” he says. “Seeing excitement from students regarding music is by far the most fulfilling part of my job. Being a part of their musical journeys is absolutely wonderful, whether they’ve been participating for years or literally just starting.”

Thuringer was married this past June to Isabella (Peperkorn) Thuringer '25, and they moved to Indianapolis shortly after the wedding. Outside of work, Thuringer has been practicing tuba and taking organ lessons. He also enjoys reading and playing games.

“Without Concordia, my life would look completely different right now,” Thuringer reflects. “It sounds cheesy, but my time at Concordia Nebraska really did significantly shape the path of my life. I couldn’t be more thankful for my time there and the people I interacted with, both friends and faculty.”

The music education program at Concordia is intended for those who wish to teach vocal and instrumental music, or vocal music only, in public or private schools. It includes skill development in the common core of musicianship as well as studies in music education that will allow you to apply educational principles to your everyday work in the classroom. Two tracks are available: comprehensive (instrumental and vocal) music education and vocal music education. Learn more about Concordia’s music education program here.