McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Music Education in the W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts is a rigorous degree program that combines the best of both worlds: the study of music and the art of teaching. We want our best musicians and students to become the educators of tomorrow. To accomplish that goal, our program focuses on helping our students develop the skills, knowledge, and disposition necessary to become outstanding musicians and inspiring teachers. Superb mentoring by renowned artists/teachers, small class sizes, diverse performance opportunities, and a well-rounded curriculum is ideally suited to guide you to professional success.
The Instrumental Concentration in the Music Education program is typically for students who plan to teach and conduct band, orchestra, and other instrumental ensembles.
The Vocal Concentration in the Music Education program is typically for students who plan to teach general music and/or conduct a variety of choral and vocal ensembles.
For music education majors at McNeese, while preparation for teaching is a primary goal, it is equally important that all students become well-trained musicians. Our outstanding faculty in voice, keyboard, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion provide superior instruction for all students within the music education program.
What You’ll Learn
All music education students complete a comprehensive set of music methods courses, which prepare students to teach both general music and relevant ensembles at the elementary, middle and high-school levels. Applied lessons are supplemented by additional music courses covering topics such as conducting, arranging, and the use of music technology in the classroom. Education courses cover effective teaching strategies, principles of childhood development, effective classroom management and current theories in music education.
Students in the vocal music education concentration take specialized courses in vocal pedagogy, diction and vocal ensemble literature.
Students in the instrumental education concentration take specialized methods courses to learn to play and teach wind, brass, string and percussion instruments.
Dr. Jeff Lemke
Coordinator of Music Education
jlemke@mcneese.edu
I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.
My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.” I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.
In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.
