Music Education
Music is foundational to the human experience. The practical and hands-on experiences you will get at St. Ambrose will help you share your passion for music and unlock that passion in others. You'll learn how to inspire and grow the next generation of talent.
Click here to learn about auditioning for a Music scholarship
Click here to receive more information about our Music program
Our graduates work at Pleasant Valley High School, Muscatine High School, Orion High School, SE Junior High in Iowa City, Camanche High School, Clear Creek Elementary (Oxford, IA), Clarke University, Hazel Point Intermediate (Cedar Rapids, IA), Woodrow Wilson Middle School, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and the American International School in Vienna, Austria.
Ambrose Advantages
- Renowned Teacher Education Program
- Perform & Perfect: Vocal, Instrument, and Band
- 100% Job Placement
The focus of the Music Education Program is YOU! You will work closely with our dedicated faculty to craft a curriculum personal to your goals. You’ll receive an exceptional hands-on and practical education to hone your musicianship and become a successful educator.
See Our Music and Music Education Fact Sheet (pdf)
Seeking Talented Musicians
Music Scholarships
The Music Department awards more than $170,000 in annual, renewable scholarships to music students who audition.
More Information on the Music Education Program
You will learn to teach band, orchestra, chorus, and general music in grades K-12. Music education majors work one-on-one with faculty ensemble directors, and they conduct public performances – an opportunity students don't get at most universities.
Courses include music theory, conducting, music education, music history and literature, piano techniques, and aural skills. You pick a concentration – vocal or instrumental – and take further courses that correspond to that specialization.
You also get to perform. Music Education majors are required to participate in a major ensemble, but we have so many you may want to participate in more than one!
You will also get extensive field experience, including student teaching. St. Ambrose has a top-notch Educator Preparation Program with elementary and secondary endorsements.
We empower you with the skills to teach as well as encouragement to use your skills to perform. In fact, you can start doing so from the start of your undergraduate career. Join one or more of our performing groups: Symphonic Band, String Ensemble, University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Jazz Combo, Bella Voce (treble a capella), Bee Sharp (tenor/base a capella), and STAMVOJA (vocal jazz ensemble).
The number and diversity of music groups we offer is large for a department our size, so you get all the experience you'd get at other schools, but with the benefit of more attention and leadership opportunities.
You can also perform solo, in a small ensemble on-campus or in the community, or even internationally. Read about our most recent International Tour in Europe.
You can also compose, teach, and conduct large ensembles in a public performance – opportunities most universities our size do not offer. You can also join the SAU Marching Band.
Because SAU is located within a strong performing arts community, our students get to attend and perform at many venues, including River Music Experience, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Bix Jazz Music Festival, Mississippi Blues Festival, Nova Singers, the Adler Theatre – and we're only three hours from downtown Chicago and Des Moines.
Potential careers include educator (K-12, college-level, community music schools, private studio), accompanist, band director, conductor, music critic, musical theatre, performer, or songwriter. Your degree could lead you into other professional areas, including arts fundraiser or grant writer, event management, instrument designer, music agent, or music curator or librarian.
St. Ambrose is recognized for graduating high-quality teachers. All of our Music Education graduates who actively seek a teaching position are hired to work in the field. Our students also have an excellent track record of acceptance into the graduate school of their choice.
Jonathan Ryan '12 is the Muscatine (Iowa) High School choir instructor. In 2016, he led the school's A Cappella Choir to Jiwu, China, where the students performed at the 13th Annual International Choral Festival.
Tyson Danner '07 is the Executive Director at the River Music Experience in Davenport. At SAU, he was able to follow his interest in music and the performing arts and it led to his career.
Keaton Connell '13, '16 directs music at Our Savior Luthern Church in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Madeline (Schumacher) Madsen '18 teaches Band and instrumental lessons at SE Junior High in Iowa City.
Mary Vargo '21 is the Band Director at Camanche (IA) High School.
Dr. Bob Lawrence '83 is the President of the Dallas School of Music and Founder/Developer of JazzPianoSkills.com.
Dr. Kristen Ihde '02 is the Associate Professor of Piano at UW-Oshkosh.
Parker Haley '17 teaches music and directs the high school choirs in the Orion School district.
Each year, the Music Department awards more than $170,000 to talented musicians (audition required). Click here to learn more
Nathan Windt, DMA, Chair and Professor
William Campbell, PhD, Professor
Megan Hobbs, Director of Athletic Bands
Nicholas Enz, DMA, Assoc. Professor and Director of Bands
Marian Lee, DMA, Assoc. Professor of Piano
- Rose Bishop
Flute
bishopvictoria@sau.edu - Tom Booth
Voice
BoothThomasC@sau.edu - Kimberly Busic
Violin, Viola
BusicKimberly@sau.edu - Sheila Doak
Chorale and Chamber Singers Accompanist
DoakSheilaR@sau.edu - Lindsey Frazier
Trumpet
FrazierLindsey@sau.edu - Angela Hand
Voice
HandAngelaR@sau.edu - Megan Hobbs
Director of Athletic Bands, Percussion
Davis 26
HobbsMeganM@sau.edu - Elisabeth Logan
Cello, History of Rock and Roll
LoganElisabethR@sau.edu - Golden Lund
Trombone, Tuba, Asst. Director of Athletic Bands
LundGoldenA@sau.edu - Catherine Lyon
Applied Voice
LyonCatherineE@sau.edu - Perry Mears
Music History, Class Piano
MearsPerryG@sau.edu - Rob Miller
Clarinet
JHudsonEleven@msn.com - Ivana Page
Applied Voice
PageIvana@sau.edu - Randy Pobanz
Applied Guitar
PobanzRandyF@sau.edu - Lori Potts
STAMVOJA
PottsLori@sau.edu - Kristen Ronning
French Horn
RonningKristen@sau.edu - Bethany Seedorff
Oboe
bseedorff@cal-wheat.net - Ryan Smith
Saxophone
RSmithSax@gmail.com - Kerry Tucker
Guitar Class, Applied Guitar
TuckerKerryD@sau.edu - Shawn Seguin
Bassoon
SeguinShawn@sau.edu
Music Department Events
Allaert Auditorium and Madsen Hall both are located inside the Galvin Fine Arts Center. Campus Map
All Music Department events are free and open to the public.
Pianist with the Hair
Julian Lawrence Gargiulo, piano, with guest appearance by Marian Lee, piano
Saturday, September 10, 7:30 pm, Allaert Auditorium
Alumni Homecoming Concert
Featuring current and alumni members of Symphonic Band and University Chorale
Saturday, September 17, 7:00 pm, Allaert Auditorium
Casual Classics I: Rob Miller, clarinet, and Marian Lee, piano
Friday, September 30, 5:00 pm, Madsen Hall
Casual Classics II: Artist TBA
Friday, October 21, 5:00 pm, Madsen Hall
Fall Choir Concert: Journeys
Featuring Chamber Singers and University Chorale
Saturday, October 22, 7:30 pm, Allaert Auditorium
Fall Instrumental Concert
Featuring the Symphonic Band
Friday, October 28, 7:30 pm, Allaert Auditorium
Senior Recital: Quinn E. Rodman, voice
Sunday, October 30, 3:00 pm, Madsen Hall
Fall Jazz Concert
Featuring STAMVOJA and Jazz Band
Sunday, November 6, 3:00 pm, Rogalski Center Ballroom
Casual Classics III: A Musical Feast (SAU Faculty sampler)
Friday, November 11, 5:00 pm, Madsen Hall
Senior Recital: Erin Robertson, voice
Saturday, December 3, 3:00 pm, Madsen Hall
Fall Invitational Recital, SAU Applied Music students
Sunday, December 4, 3:00 pm, Madsen Hall
A Service of Lessons and Carols
Featuring Chamber Singers and University Chorale
Friday, December 9, 7:00 pm, Christ the King Chapel
An Ambrosian Christmas
Featuring the SAU Music Ensembles and student soloists
Saturday, December 10, 3:00 pm, Allaert Auditorium
Casual Classics III: Marian Lee, piano
Friday, February 10, 5:00 p.m., Madsen Hall
Senior Recital: Erin Robertson, voice
Saturday, February 18, 3:00 p.m., Madsen Hall
Casual Classics IV: Rose Bishop, flute
Friday, March 3, 5:00 p.m., Madsen Hall
Winter Vocal Concert: Hold On!-A Celebration of African-American choral music
Featuring Chamber Singers and University Chorale
Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m., Allaert Auditorium
Winter Jazz Concert
Featuring STAMVOJA and Jazz Band
Sunday, March 12, 3:00 p.m., Rogalski Center Ballroom
Winter Instrumental Concert
Featuring the Symphonic Band
Friday, March 31, 7:30 p.m., Allaert Auditorium
Senior Recital: Charles Murphy, voice
Saturday, April 22, 3:00 p.m., Madsen Hall
Spring Invitational Recital, SAU Applied Music students
Sunday, April 23, 3:00 p.m., Madsen Hall
Together We Rise: William Campbell album release concert
Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., Allaert Auditorium
Tickets: $30 general admission/50% discount for SAU faculty/SAU students FREE with ID
Spring Jazz Concert
Featuring STAMVOJA and Jazz Band
Sunday, May 7, 3:00 p.m., Rogalski Center Ballroom
Band Day at the Bandshell
Featuring the Symphonic Band and Marching Band
Saturday, May 13, 11:00 am, LeClaire Park Bandshell, Davenport
Spring Vocal Concert
Featuring Chamber Singers and University Chorale
Sunday, May 14, 3:00 p.m., Allaert Auditorium
Degree Requirements
General and Vocal, K-12 and Instrumental
Course are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
View Music Education courses and descriptions in the online corse catalog
Required:
MUS 099 Concert Attendance (every semester enrolled)
+MUS 110 Music Orientation
MUS 201 Theory I, 2 credits
MUS 202 Theory II, 2 credits
MUS 207 Aural Skills I, 2 credits
MUS 208 Aural Skills II, 2 credits
MUS 221 Piano Techniques I, 1 credit
MUS 222 Piano Techniques II, 1 credit
MUS 301 Theory III, 2 credits
MUS 302 Theory IV, 2 credits
MUS 307 Aural Skills III, 2 credits
MUS 308 Aural Skills IV, with a grade of C or better
MUS 319 Conducting
MUS 325 Music History and Literature: Antiquity to 1700
MUS 326 Music History and Literature: 1750 to 1890
MUS 407 Form and Analysis
6 semesters of applied major in the same instrument or voice
2 credits of senior recital MUS 403
Participation in a major ensemble (band, choir or orchestra) each semester of enrollment (except the student teaching semester);
In addition for General and Vocal K-12 track:
MUS 236 Vocal Techniques: Pedagogy, 1 credit
MUS 237 Vocal Techniques: Diction, 1 credit
MUS 322 Choral Materials, Methods, and Rehearsal Techniques
EDMUS 244 Music for the Elementary Classroom
In addition for Instrumental track:
MUS 234 Percussion Techniques, 1 credit
MUS 235 Brass Techniques, 1 credit
MUS 238 Woodwind Techniques, 1 credit
MUS 318 Marching Band/Jazz Band Procedurs, 2 credits
MUS 323 Instrumental Materials, Methods, and Rehearsal Techniques
EDMUS 244 Music for the Elementary Classroom, 2 credits
For education courses required for a teaching license, see the School of Education sites on elementary or secondary endorsements.
Requirements for a Minor in Music (22 credits)
The Music minor allows students to balance their desire to study and make music at a deeper level while balancing the demands of a different academic major.
Concert Attendance: 4 semesters of MUS 099
Applied Music (private lessons): at least 4 semesters of MUS 203
Ensemble: at least four semesters of MUS 111, 118 or 122
Music Theory I and II: MUS 201, 202 (4 credits)
Aural Skills I and II: MUS 207, 208 (4 credits)
Music History: MUS 325, 326, and 327
Vocal
This is the recommended 4-year plan of study for students wanting a bachelor's degree in Music Education with a vocal concentration. This plan assumes the student hasn't satisfied the foreign language requirement (three years of foreign language in high school).
Important:
- History course MUST be American History.
- MUS Tech courses include MUS 235, 235, 237, 238, 239, and 240
- BME students must complete a piano proficiency exam.
- BME students need to be aware of and comply with all deadlines set by the School of Education.
Year One
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 |
| *MUS 101 Basic Musicianship | 3 | MUS 201 Theory I | 2 |
| MUS 203 applied major | 1 | MUS 207 Aural Skills I | 2 |
| MUS 236 piano tech | 1 | MUS 203 applied major | 1 |
| MUS 111 Chorale | 1 | MUS 221 Piano Techniques | 1 |
| ENGL 101 | 3 | MUS 111 Chorale | 1 |
| EDUC 284 | 3 | PHIL/THEO 100-200 | 3 |
| American History or American Gov't | 3 | EDUC 205 Field Experience | 2 |
| Oral COMM | 3 | MATH | 3 |
| Info Lit | 1 | ||
| Total | 18 | Total | 15 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 202 Theory II | 2 | MUS 301 Theory III | 2 |
| MUS 208 Aural Skills II | 2 | MUS 307 Aural Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 203 | 1 | MUS 203 Applied major | 1 |
| MUS 111 Chorale | 1 | MUS 111 Chorale | 1 |
| MUS 236 | 1 | MUS 325/6/7 Music History | 3 |
| MUS 222 | 1 | MUS 237 Vocal Techniques: Diction | 1 |
| EDUC 300 | 3 | EDUC 301 | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| PHIL/THEO 100-200 | 3 | KIN 149 | 1 |
| Total | 17 | Total | 17 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 303 applied major | 2 | MUS 303 applied major | 2 |
| MUS 111 Chorale | 1 | MUS 111 Chorale | 1 |
| MUS 302 Theory IV | 2 | PHIL/THEO | 3 |
| MUS 308 Aural Skills IV | 2 | MUS 322 | 3 |
| EDUC 309 | 3 | MUS 407 Form & Analysis OR Natural Science | 3 |
| MUS 319 Conducting | 3 | MUS 325/6/7 Music History | 3 |
| MUS 325/6/7 Music History | 3 | ||
| Total | 16 | Total | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | EDUC 432 Student Teaching | 15 |
| MUS 324 | 1 | ||
| MUS 407** or Natural Science course | 3 | ||
| MUS 111 Chorale | 1 | Important tasks: | |
| SPED 310*** | 3 | Attend Student Teaching Seminar | |
| MUS 403 applied major | 2 | Apply for Teaching Jobs | |
| EDUC 338 | 1 | Take Praxis II Exam | |
| PHIL/THEO 300+ | 3 | ||
| KIN Activity | 1-2 | ||
| Total | 15-16 | Total | 15 |
*Basic Musicianship is not a requirement for the Music Major, although students may need to take the course to be successful in the Major. The course does count toward one of your humanities courses.
** This course is offered every three semesters. Check with Dr. Campbell to confirm the next offering.
*** Observation hours required for this course as follows: EDUC 205=50; SPED 310=25;
Instrumental
This is the recommended 4-year plan of study for students wanting a bachelor's degree in Music Education with an instrumental concentration. This plan assumes the student hasn't satisfied the foreign language requirement.
Important: BME students need to be aware of and comply with all deadlines set by the School of Education.
Year One
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 101 Basic Musicianship* | 3 | MUS 201 Theory I | 2 |
| MUS 203 applied major | 1 | MUS 207 Aural Skills I | 2 |
| American Hist or American Gov't | 3 | MUS 203 applied major | 1 |
| MUS 117 Band or MUS 122 | 1 | MUS 221 Piano Techniques | 1 |
| ENGL 101 | 3 | MUS 117 Band or MUS 122 | 1 |
| EDUC 284 | 3 | MATH | 3 |
| Info Lit | 1 | EDUC 205 Field Experience | 2 |
| Oral COMM | 3 | PHIL/THEO 100-200 | 3 |
| Apply for Admission to TEP | |||
| Total | 18 | Total | 15 |
IMPORTANT TASKS: 1st semester - Take Praxis Core Academic Skills; Complete background check
Year Two
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 202 Theory II | 2 | MUS 301 Theory III | 2 |
| MUS 208 Aural Skills II | 2 | MUS 307 Aural Skills III | 2 |
| MUS 203 Applied major | 1 | MUS 203 Applied major | 1 |
| MUS 117 Band or MUS 122 | 1 | MUS 117 Band or MUS 122 | 1 |
| MUS 324 | 1 | MUS 325/6/7 Music History | 3 |
| MUS 222 | 1 | MUS 238 | 1 |
| EDUC 300 | 3 | EDUC 301 | 3 |
| Foreign Language 102 | 3 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| PHIL/THEO 100-200 | 3 | KIN 149 | 1 |
| Total | 17 | Total | 17 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 303 applied major | 1 | MUS 303 applied major | 2 |
| MUS 117 Band; or MUS 122 | 1 | MUS 117 Band; OR MUS 122 | 1 |
| MUS 302 Theory IV | 2 | MUS 407 Form & Analysis** | 3 |
| MUS 308 Aural Skills IV | 2 | MUS 325/6/7 Music History | 3 |
| EDUC 309 | 3 | MUS 323 | 3 |
| MUS 319 | 3 | MUS 235 | 1 |
| MUS 325/6/7 Music History | 3 | PHIL/THEO | 3 |
| MUS 234 Percussion Techniques | |||
| Total | 17 | Total | 16 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 099 Concert Attendance | 0 | Student teaching | 15 |
| MUS 407** or Natural Science | 3 | ||
| PHIL/THEO 300+ | 3 | ||
| MUS 117 Band; or MUS 122 | 1 | Other important tasks: | |
| SPED 310*** | 3 | Attend Student Teaching Seminar | |
| KIN Activity | 1-2 | Apply for teaching jobs | |
| MUS 403 senior recital | 2 | Take Praxis II Exam | |
| MUS 318 Marching and Jazz Procedures | 2 | ||
| Total | 16-17 | Total | 15 |
*Basic Musicianship is not required for the Music Major, although students may need to take the course to be successful in the Major. It does count toward one of your humanities courses.
** This course is offered every three semesters. Check with Dr. Campbell to confirm the next offering.
*** Observation hours required for this course as follows: EDUC 205=50; SPED 310=25;
Meet Some of Our Alumni
Our alumni and students are doing some fantastic things, something that has become a hallmark of anyone associated with the Music Department at St. Ambrose University. Learn more about a member of our community:
Nick Vasquez '08, BA in MusicAshley Dean
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing,Class of 2021
Ashley Dean is thriving, and her success is directly tied to her own hard work and determination. At SAU, we provided her the education and opportunities to soar.
Contact Us
Nathan Windt, DMA
Music Department
Galvin Fine Arts Center 109
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6146
WindtNathanJ@sau.edu