Music Education

Rowan University prepares outstanding music educators through a rigorous education curriculum and in-depth performance studies with outstanding musicians. Students in the program begin observing and working in the public schools frequently in their sophomore year. The program culminates with outstanding educators and musicians completing a student teaching experience and confidently beginning their teaching careers. Rowan enjoys a high placement rate in New Jersey elementary and high schools, although alumni of the program teach throughout the nation and find success in graduate study as well.

The music education program is a double major (Bachelor of Music Education / Bachelor of Arts in Education). There are three tracks within the music education program: Instrumental, Jazz, and Vocal. Students in each of the tracks are prepared to teach at all levels of music education, and completion of the degree leased to K-12 Music Licensure from New Jersey. Students receive individualized attention from faculty who are concerned with their students’ success. The faculty and staff in music education bring a wealth of academic and practical experiences that they share with their students:

Lili Levinowitz teaches courses in general and vocal music education. She is a national authority on early childhood music and her articles appear frequently in both professional journals and popular magazines. She received her M.M. and Ph.D. from Temple University where she was director of the Children's Music Development Program; her undergraduate work was done at Westminster Choir College.

Rick Dammers teaches courses in instrumental and technology-based music education. Prior to teaching a Rowan, he taught band and music technology for 13 years in the Ladue School District in suburban St. Louis. He is a frequent contributer to national and conferences and journals. He earned his M.M and Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Illinois and his B.M.E. from Northwestern University.

The music education program is a supportive and active learning community. Curricular course study is supplemented with active student organizations. Rowan has a student chapter of the National Assocaiation for Music Education (formerly MENC).  The Rowan NAfME chapter, advised by Dr. Dammers, sponsors frequent clinics, service projects, convention trips, as well as leadership and networking opportunities for its members. Rowan University also has a chapter of future choral directors, called ACDA (American Choral Directors Association).  This is a very active and close-knit group whose passion is to make a difference in the lives of singers.  Dr. Thomas is the faculty advisor.

Bachelor of Music Education/Bachelor of Arts in Education (Instrumental) (pdf)
Bachelor of Music Education/Bachelor of Arts Education (Vocal)
Bachelor of Music Education/ Bachelor of Arts Education (Jazz) (pdf)