Cynthia Williams Phelps holds a Ph.D. in Music Education, with an emphasis in learning, teaching, and curriculum, from the University of Missouri. Dr. Phelps teaches graduate courses in music education at the University of Missouri. 

Dr. Phelps cultivated a unique perspective for the importance of reflective music teaching through her journey as music teacher educator, public school music educator, choral and instrumental performer, and independent music studio instructor. Reflective practice and student-centered learning guide her philosophy of teaching. A music environment in which students have engaging opportunities to actively reflect on their educational process creates lifelong musicians.

Dr. Phelps has presented research and workshops at state and national conferences including the Missouri Music Educators Association, National Council of Teachers of English Whole Language Umbrella, Midwest Educational Technology Conference, and National Association for Music Education Music Research and Teacher Education National Conference. She has published in the Missouri School Music Magazine and Journal of Research in Music Education. Her research interests include reflective practice in music education and fine arts education, teacher leadership in music education, and arts integration.