Louise M. Alton, Professor Emeritus of music, died Dec. 29 in Denton. She joined the university in 1968 and taught music education and voice until retiring in 1980. She was a member of the International Society for Music Education and traveled to Australia and Europe to speak about the benefits of music education for exceptional children. She also was a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, Music Educators National Conference, Sigma Alpha Iota honorary music fraternity and Delta Kappa Gamma honorary education fraternity. She previously taught elementary and secondary vocal music, piano and choral music in school systems in Louisiana, Alabama and New Mexico. Alton was the first female president of the Louisiana Music Educators Association from 1962 to 1966 and was inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame in 1986. She directed the undergraduate music education program at Louisiana Tech University before joining UNT. Alton earned an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a doctorate from Columbia University. During World War II, she served with the Red Cross as a music therapist in military hospitals.
Louise M. Alton, Professor Emeritus of music, died Dec. 29 in Denton. She joined the university in 1968 and taught music education and voice until retiring in 1980. She was a member of the International Society for Music Education and traveled to Australia and Europe to speak about the benefits of music education for exceptional children. She also was a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, Music Educators National Conference, Sigma Alpha Iota honorary music fraternity and Delta Kappa Gamma honorary education fraternity. She previously taught elementary and secondary vocal music, piano and choral music in school systems in Louisiana, Alabama and New Mexico. Alton was the first female president of the Louisiana Music Educators Association from 1962 to 1966 and was inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame in 1986. She directed the undergraduate music education program at Louisiana Tech University before joining UNT. Alton earned an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a doctorate from Columbia University. During World War II, she served with the Red Cross as a music therapist in military hospitals.
