Sam Gowen

Biography

Dr. Sam Gowen is the academic advisor, scholarship coordinator and horn instructor for the South Dakota State University School of the Performing Arts. She teaches applied horn lessons to majors, minors and non-majors as well as the First Year Seminar for incoming School of Performing Arts majors each Fall. In addition to her teaching and advising duties, she serves as the recruitment and retention coordinator, managing recruiting and scholarship events on campus as well as representing the school at regional and national music conferences.

Dr. Gowen most recently lived in Tallahassee, Florida, where she earned her Doctorate in Music for horn performance from Florida State University. While living in the south, she served as the artist in residence, horn, for Valdosta State University where she taught bachelors and master’s horn students and a graduate brass methods course for music education majors. She also served as co-principal for the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra alongside Dr. Paul Basler. Gowen actively freelanced with a variety of orchestras and chamber groups across the Florida pan handle and South Georgia, including Sinfonia Gulfcoast, Panama City Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Big Bend Brass, among others.

Dr. Gowen received her Master’s from Michigan State University in horn performance and completed her Bachelor’s of Music in music education and horn performance from the University of Georgia.

Gowen has a vested research interest in creating dynamic and accessible performances for audiences of all backgrounds. Her recitals typically include visual and extra musical pairings of sights and sounds that enhance the performance aesthetic, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations. Her dissertation revolved around the student recital planning process, creating a curriculum module that challenges students to think outside the typical format for recitals and push the bounds of what they think classical music should look and sound like. She has found that this creates more engaging, inviting and memorable experiences that are deeply rewarding for audiences and performers.

When Sam is not advising, teaching or performing, she is likely traveling and exploring new cities alongside her partner Brad, working out, going on hikes or cuddling with her two kitties, Dante and Batman.