Dijana Ihas is Professor of Music Education (Strings) in the School of Music and Dance at the University of Oregon. Her research focuses on string pedagogy, music teacher preparation, music learning opportunities, mentoring undergraduate researchers, and equity in music education. Her current scholarship includes a cross-national examination of music teacher preparation and music learning opportunities, a study of the working habits and professional practices of prolific scholars in music, and the development of two book-length projects. Her research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed and professional journals, including String Research Journal, American String Teacher, Innovative Higher Education, CUR Quarterly, and Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning.
Dr. Ihas conceived and led the development of Teaching Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass: Historical and Modern Pedagogical Practices (Routledge, 2023), a landmark book that examines more than 250 years of string pedagogy and traces the historical and pedagogical development of violin, viola, cello, and double bass instruction. She collaborated with Miranda Wilson, author of the cello chapters, and Gaelen McCormick, author of the double bass chapters, while providing the scholarly vision and overall direction for the project.
Prior to joining the University of Oregon, Dr. Ihas served on the faculty of Pacific University, where she founded the Pacific University String Project, the only operational program of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The project received the 2018 Outstanding String Project Award from the American String Teachers Association and the National String Project Consortium. Her commitment to undergraduate research has guided dozens of students through scholarly projects, conference presentations, and publications.
Dr. Ihas has received numerous honors for her contributions to music education, teaching, and scholarship. Most recently, she received the 2025 Outstanding Long-Term Achievement in String Research Award from the American String Teachers Association. She was also recognized with the 2021 Oregon Music Education Association Outstanding Music Educator Award, Pacific University's Faculty Achievement Award (2018), and Junior Faculty Award (2015) for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and creative work.
Dr. Ihas holds a Ph.D. in Music Education and String Pedagogy from the University of Oregon, a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Arizona, a Master of Fine Arts in Viola Performance from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Sarajevo. She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Conducting from Messiah University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Music Education from the University of Chichester (United Kingdom).
A violist, conductor, researcher, and teacher educator, Dr. Ihas remains committed to advancing excellence, innovation, and equitable access in music and string education.