Sharon Jensen, DMA
Assistant Professor of Music
I think it’s important for music students to learn from a performer. I perform regularly as a soloist and collaborative musician.
Music Education
Bachelor of Arts
Possessing a true love for both music and teaching makes you an ideal candidate for our unique music education program. Clarke’s Bachelor of Arts in music education professionally prepares you for a career as a music teacher at both the elementary and secondary levels. You will hone your talents in contemporary music methodology and receive practical musical training. You’ll also have many hours teaching in the classroom even before your student teaching begins. This added classroom experience enhances your résumé and can be a key to landing your first music teaching job.
Program Details
For a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education, leading to K-12 certification in music education, you’ll complete 41 hours of music courses, 19 hours of music education courses, and 29 hours of education courses. You’ll learn to perform, analyze, and compose music of various styles and cultures at a high level of technical and artistic skill. You’ll learn to implement technology in support of teaching, creating, recording, and performing music. Music education majors participate in an ensemble and attend recital classes and concerts. You will gain first-hand experience at Dubuque’s elementary and high schools where methods classes are taught on-site though the Professional Development School (PDS) component.
Admission to Clarke University
All potential music majors are required to audition either in person or video prior to registration.
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Program in Pictures
Professor Jeremy Mims directs the Collegiate Choir in the Sacred Heart Chapel.
Amy Dunker, DMA
Professor of Music
From avant-garde improvisation to minimalistic sound sculptures to neo-romantic echoes, I delve deeply into the nature of human experience.
Amanda Huntleigh, DMA, CLMA
Assistant Professor of Music
I strive to nurture each musician holistically through musical excellence and human compassion. My goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable taking risks as they develop their own artistry, and engage with music.
There’s more to college than going to class.
The Classroom and Beyond
Study Abroad
Clarke University offers several faculty-sponsored study abroad experiences to destinations such as Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. Study abroad trips encourage you to experience different cultures, broaden your mind, and discover your own passions. Most recently, the music group visited Prague, Czech Republic.
Internships
You will learn by observation and participation in off-campus internships and experiential education ventures. Internships often facilitate entrance into the job market and are highly recommended for acceptance into graduate programs.
Facilities & Equipment
Clarke’s Jansen Music Hall is where musical productions at Clarke come to life. Jansen boasts state-of-the-art acoustics and audio-visual equipment.
The Clarke Compass
Through your Clarke experience, you will be involved in many different activities that will guide you on your college journey. By your senior year, you will have a résumé of all your awesome involvements packaged and ready for your first interview.
Ensembles
We have three prestigious groups of vocal performers: The Clarke Collegiate Singers, The Clarke Cantabile, and Melos. Our students also comprise several premier instrumental ensembles and experiences from brass to jazz to strings to woodwinds.
Careers in Music Education
What can I do with a degree in this major?
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Nitshelle Duverseau
Music Education '19
In teaching music, I love that moment when you see a student’s mind light up, and they just GET it!
Julie Thomas
Music Education '00
My degree from Clarke shaped me into the teacher I am today. 15 years into my teaching, I am still excited and passionate about music and making music with all my choirs. The care and attention of the Clarke faculty to me as a student is how I hope to treat my own students.
#1
The Clarke University Music Department is the only Catholic school in Iowa accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
1:1
Student/faculty interaction
Music education students work one-on-one with faculty in intense performance situations with individual performance and design instruction.
Spotlight
On stage
Each year, music and music education majors participate in a collaborative theatrical experience such as an opera or musical theatre performance.
Accreditation
Clarke University is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Clarke’s music education program is also approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
Other Programs to Explore
Experience Clarke Music Education for Yourself