Sam Gowen

Dr. Sam Gowen is an Academic Advisor, Scholarship Coordinator, and Horn Instructor at the School of Performing Arts, South Dakota State University. She teaches applied horn lessons, advises students, and coordinates recruitment and scholarship events. Her roles include managing regional/national music conference representation and overseeing student recital planning innovations.

• Education:
• Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Horn Performance (University of Georgia)
• Master of Music in Horn Performance (Michigan State University)
• Doctorate in Music for Horn Performance (Florida State University)

Her research focuses on creating dynamic, interdisciplinary performances and reimagining classical music presentation formats through visual/extra-musical pairings. She developed a curriculum module challenging students to innovate recital aesthetics, emphasizing audience engagement. Professional experience includes artist residencies at Valdosta State University and co-principal roles in orchestras like the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Academic responsibilities include teaching, advising, and leading recruitment efforts. She actively collaborates in brass methods courses for music educators and maintains affiliations with professional orchestras/chamber groups across Florida and Georgia.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in ongoing interdisciplinary performance projects and student recital design initiatives.