Today we feature Arianna Granda from Morris County, NJ. She is a rising senior studying Music Education with a vocal concentration and pursuing a CUGS in Jazz Performance. She currently serves as the president of both Rowan’s NAfME (National Association for Music Education) chapter and Profecy A Cappella group, as well as a leader of […]
Performing Arts
#PROFspective: A Closer Look at Music Education and Jazz with Jovan Rivera
Today, we are hearing from Jovan Rivera, a junior Music Education and Jazz Performance major and transfer student from Trenton, NJ (Mercer County). Could you share a few on-campus activities, clubs, sports, or events that you’ve attended so far? What was your favorite, and why? I am a part of the Photography Club, Esports Club, […]
Gaining an Edge in the Business as a Music Industry Major: Alyssa McAvoy’s Story
Junior student Alyssa McAvoy shares how she’s making the most of being a Prof
Faculty PROFile: Dr. Adrian Barnes on Music Education through a Social Justice Lens
Today we feature Assistant Professor Dr. Adrian Barnes, coordinator of Rowan University’s Bachelor of Music Education and a key architect behind the school’s new Master of Music Education program, which launched this fall. Here, Dr. Barnes details his research and teaching, shares more information on the new graduate program and explains why he believes education […]
Rowan Alumnus and Band Director Mike Massaro on Music Education
Today we feature a Q and A with 2020 Rowan Music Education graduate Mike Massaro, the middle school band director at Kingsway Regional Middle School and coach for the Rowan Youth Jazz Orchestra. Music is a passion of Mike’s, and it all started for him at an early age. He talks about the journey he […]
Meet #Rowan2026: Introducing Students from the College of Performing Arts
Today we feature incoming CPA first year students Katherine Lanzerotti (she/her), Grace Hoeltje (she/her), Bella Campo (she/her), and Jeszenee Turner. Katherine is from Rockaway, NJ (Morris County) and will be living on campus as a Music Education in Vocal Performance major. Grace is from Mount Laurel, NJ (Burlington County) and will be living on campus […]
Senior Reflects: Carly Morton and the Power of Music Education
Carly Morton, a recent Music Education graduate from Burlington County, shares her meditation on her passion for music and the value of her student teaching experience at Washington Township High School. Carly Morton’s inclination for music has always been a prevalent aspect in her life. During elementary school, Carly began playing the flute; however, it […]
Passing the Torch: Theatre Educator Nick Flagg
Theatre and Advertising graduate Nick Flagg is excited about the next scene of his journey. A commuter student from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County), Nick is going into his second and final year of the Combined Advanced Degree Program (CADP) for the Master of Science in Teaching in Theatre Education. “The program is basically an accelerated […]
Passing the Torch: College of Performing Arts Graduate Kaya Snow on “Maximizing Your Opportunities”
Dance and Theatre Arts double major Kaya Snow of Morris County will tell you the connections you make offstage are just as important as the ones onstage — they may even help land you your next gig. “I don’t always have to apply to jobs that are in my field, specifically, because I get references […]
Alumni Success: Catherine Chambers ‘16, Where My Music Education Degree Has Taken Me
Catherine Chambers (she/her) is a Rowan University 2016 graduate who majored in Music Education: Vocal and Education: Subject Matter. She is currently the Vocal Music Teacher of the Performing Academy at Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT). In addition to leading the vocal section of the Performing Arts Academy, Catherine has music directed the school […]
National Best Friends Day
This June 8 is National Best Friends Day! Celebrate by reminding them just how much they are appreciated. Whether they are old or new, near or far, friends enrich our lives with their company. Below are some #RowanPROUD students celebrating their special bond. Like what you see? LEARN MORE Story by:Jessica Nguyen, elementary education and […]
Alumni Success: Music Performance Major, Clarinet Player Lia Boncouer ’20 Joins U.S. Navy Fleet Bands
Today, we feature Lia Boncouer, who graduated from Rowan’s Music Performance program with a concentration in Clarinet Performance. Currently, Lia is completing her Master of Music degree at the University of Michigan. She discusses her undergraduate experience at Rowan, her journey to becoming a Music Performance major, and shares details on her recent acceptance of […]
#TRANSFERmation Tuesday: A Conversation with Music Industry Major Emileigh Zane
In this edition of #TRANSFERmation Tuesday, we learn more of Music Industry major Emileigh Zane of Penns Grove, NJ (Salem County). In this exchange, we learn more of her own experience as a transfer student as well as what motivated her to pursue a career inside the music industry. Why did you pick Rowan? I […]
#PROFspective: Senior Theatre Major Kayla Bowe
Today we highlight Kayla Bowe, a senior Theatre major from Swedesboro, NJ (Gloucester County). Kayla is also minoring in Psychology, has concentrations in Acting and Pre-Teaching, and has a certificate of undergraduate study (CUGS) in Shakespeare Studies. She discusses her major and goes into detail about her involvement in several clubs around campus. Why did you choose to study […]
Rowan Dance Major Gabrielle Langevine, Front and Center
Dancing since she was 10 years old, sophomore Gabrielle Langevine of Middlesex County continues to study her craft at Rowan University’s College of Performing Arts. She is part of the Dance Extensions group and the university’s NAACP chapter. As a Black artist, she hopes to encourage future dancers of color not to “shrink themselves” but […]
A Q&A with Terry Nguyen, Co-President of Rowan’s Neurodiversity Club
Today, we talk to Terry Nguyen, who majors in both Music and Biomedical Visualization and Art with a specialization in graphic design. She is co-president of Rowan’s Neurodiversity Club, a newer club on campus. Terry shares details on her Rowan academic career and her experiences as a neurodivergent student. She also discusses what the Neurodiversity […]
Prof Pairs, Love is in the Air: The Story of Scott and Kevin
In this read, we learn the story of Scott Garvin ’17 (he/him) and Kevin Gehringer ’19 (he/him). Their relationship began and grew in their time at Rowan. Both hold degrees in Music Education and Education: Subject Matter Specialization. Scott works as the Vocal Music Teacher at Clayton Middle School and High School. Kevin works as […]
#PROFspective: Kaya Snow, Combining Passion with Academics
Senior Kaya Snow, a Dance and Theatre Arts major from Morris County with a concentration in Acting and Musical Theatre, shares her #PROFspective as a Rowan student. What inspired you to choose your major? I was inspired to choose my major because I did not want to give up the things that I loved. I’ve […]
#PROFspective: Theatre Major, Texas Native and Longboarder Maria Dixon
Today we feature Maria Dixon, a sophomore Theatre major with a concentration in acting from Wylie, Texas. Maria is also the Senator for Rowan’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honors society, an Admissions Ambassador, and a Theatre department student advisory board member. She discusses her major and goes into detail about her experience at Rowan. Why did you choose Rowan […]
My First Semester As An International Student
Today we hear from Valentina Giannattasio, a first-year international student from Argentina. Valentina is a double major in Dance and Marketing. Today, she shares with us her experience of being a first-year international student at Rowan. Flying around the world and living in the opposite hemisphere of the globe is not an easy task. Since […]
Student by Day, “Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins” by Night
Nick Flagg is a senior double major studying both Advertising and Theatre, concentrating in Theatre Education, Acting/Directing and Musical Theatre. After his undergraduate graduation in the spring of 2022, he will continue as a Rowan CADP student working toward a Master of Science degree in Theatre Education. Nick will be certified to teach K-12 theatre in […]
Music Industry Major Pharaoh Freer’s Big Break
Today we feature Pharaoh Freer, a sophomore Music Industry major from Jamesburg, NJ (Middlesex County). Over the summer, Pharaoh had the opportunity to work on a movie set as an extra! Pharaoh shares his experience on set with us and how it has impacted his life. Can you tell us a little about yourself? My […]
Alumni Success: Felicia Brown Talks Career, Future Goals and Her M.A. in Arts Administration
Today, we feature Felicia Brown, a graduate of Rowan’s Arts Administration masters program through Rowan Global. Currently, Ms. Brown serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) theatre educator at Trenton Central High School. She sits down to explain how the arts have taken her all across the world. Would you mind introducing yourself and telling […]
20 Minute Radius: The Music Barn [VIDEO]
Find a concert-like experience without the concert price at The Music Barn! This venue, just 15 minutes from campus in Mullica Hill, brings artists, comedians and performers from all over the nation. It’s a great place to relax and spend time with friends while being outdoors and enjoying some professional live music. The Music Barn […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Double Major Rachel Ricci Uses Her Voice for Theatre and Therapy
Today we feature junior Rachel Ricci of Moorestown, NJ (Burlington County), who transferred from Rowan College of South Jersey. Rachel, trained in classical voice, is a double major in Musical Theatre and Music Therapy within the College of Performing Arts. She shares how she first learned of the Music Therapy program and her first impressions […]
In Case You Missed It: Favorite Classes At Rowan
Rowan Blog recently wrapped up a series called “My Favorite Class” featuring first-person commentaries from Rowan students. Here, we share highlights from a few of those stories. My Favorite Class: Earth, People and The Environment Ross Billig is a senior Geography major with a Planning minor from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County). Tell us a little […]
First Year Dance Major Amanda Drayton Performs in String Ensemble Concert
Amanda Drayton, a first year Dance major from Somerset, NJ (Union County), rehearsed on Zoom with Associate Professor Paule Turner for weeks leading up to her first live performance during COVID-19. Amanda walks us through her performance and shares her experience as a College of Performing Arts student this past year. What made you choose […]
Interesting Clubs To Check Out At Rowan University
Rowan University has countless of clubs ranging from staying active clubs, diversity/inclusion clubs, major-specific clubs, residential assistant clubs and more. Rowan Blog contributors each share a club on campus that students should check out! Outdoors Club The Outdoors Club is all about exploring the wilderness and connecting with nature. The club takes multiple trips throughout […]
Out-of-State Students’ Returning to Rowan Bucket List
Many out-of-state students are coming to campus for the first time since COVID, while some were able to come to campus last year. Here are some things that out-of-state students are looking forward to when campus opens up a bit more this semester. Magdelyn Kelly is a senior Musical Theatre and Theatre Education major from […]
Sneak Peak into the Theatre – Design/Technical Program and its Stagecraft Class
Today we share moments from our conversation with College of Performing Arts students Michael Landolfi and Jenna Hope during a session of their Stagecraft Fundamentals class. We asked them about their favorite parts of their majors and the course itself. Michael Landolfi is a sophomore Theatre major with a concentration in Theatre – Design/Technical. Why did you […]
First-Year Student Amanda Drayton Performs in String Ensemble Concert [VIDEO]
Amanda, a first-year Dance major, rehearsed on Zoom with Associate Professor Paule Turner for weeks leading up to her first live performance during COVID-19. She steps out onto the stage for the first time and shares her experience as a performing arts student this past year. Like what you see? LEARN MORE Video by:Christianna Arango, […]
My Favorite Class: Collegium Musicum
Today we feature Liva Savaiinaea, a senior Music Performance major from Paulsboro, NJ (Gloucester County). Liva’s favorite class was Collegium Musicum within Music Department taught by Dr. Lourin Plant. Liva was also a transfer from Rowan College of South Jersey. Tell us a little about what the class is. It is an ensemble open to […]
#PROFspective: Theatre and Advertising Major Nick Flagg
Today, we speak to Theatre & Advertising double major Nick Flagg from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Nick has a concentration in Theatre Ed, Acting/Directing & Musical Theatre, and will graduate next spring. He shares with us why he heavily enjoys studying his majors and the endless opportunities Rowan has offered and equipped him with. Why […]
Stagecraft Fundamentals | Building Your Skill Set [VIDEO]
COVID-19 did not stop students from learning the fundamentals of set design and building. “I think everybody should take Stagecraft Fundamentals because you will learn so many things,” says Jenna Hope, a sophomore theatre major. “You don’t just learn carpentry. You can learn costuming, lighting, sound, really a lot of different skills that are helpful […]
My Favorite Class: Foundations of Music Education
Today we feature first-generation college senior Luis Ozoria. Luis’s favorite class was Foundations of Music Education in the Music department taught by Dr. Adrian Barnes. Luis recently graduated with a bachelor’s of music in Jazz Studies and is from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County). Tell us a little about what the class is… The class gives […]
Alumni Success: Rowan Graduates Take Over the Eagle Theatre
Angela Longo and Molly Jo Gifford graduated from Rowan University’s College of Performing Arts in 2017 and 2018, respectively. They hold positions at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton, NJ. Angela is Producing Executive Director; Molly Jo is Interim Artistic Director. What has the journey been before your time at the Eagle? Angela took a semester […]
Queer Voices: Theatre Major Tyler “TJ” Jacobs
This interview was originally featured on the Queer Voices Instagram page @queer_voices. Biomedical Art and Visualization major Emerson Harman created the Queer Voices Project, which is working “to amplify LGBTQ+ student, faculty, and alumni voices at Rowan University through portraits and interviews.” You can also find more of their content here. Name, pronouns, and identity? […]
My Favorite Class: Instrumental Conducting 2
Abby Bernhardt is a first generation college student and recent graduate with a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Egg Harbor City (Atlantic County). Her favorite class was Instrumental Conducting 2 in the Music department taught by Dr. Joe Higgins. Tell us a little about what the class is. This class is a continuation […]
Senior Alex Brown Shares Insight on Rowan’s Music Industry Major
Today we speak with Alex Brown, a senior Music Industry major from Glassboro, NJ (Gloucester County). He tells us more about his experiences in the Music Industry program. What area of the music industry interests you? “Artist management. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I’ve taken that aspect of my personality and translated it to […]
#PROFspective: Music Industry Senior Mackenzie Huston
Today we feature senior Mackenzie Huston, a Music Industry student with a concentration in Technology from Basking Ridge, NJ (Somerset County). Mackenzie talks to us about her time at Rowan and her Senior Capstone Project RU Rewind . Why did you choose your major? I have known since a very young age that music was […]
Out-of-State Senior: Theatre Education Major Julia Rivenburg
Today we feature senior Julia Rivenburg, a senior Theatre Education major from Waldorf, Maryland. Julia tells us about her experience at Rowan and how attending a school out of state was a great decision. Reflecting on your time at Rowan, what have been some of the greatest benefits for you on attending a university out […]
Pharaoh Freer: Realizing My Power, Passion and Prof Pride
Meet Pharaoh Freer, a Music Industry major from Jamesburg, NJ (Middlesex County). Read his first-person perspective on the lessons he’s learned on his journey to becoming a Rowan Prof. From discovering how to hone in on your passions to understanding the power of your brand, Pharaoh shares the wisdom of leading a life with great […]
#PROFspective: Senior Theatre/Marketing Double Major Says “Try New Things … You’re Only Young Once”
Today we speak with Erik Kattermann, a senior theatre and marketing double major with concentrations in Acting and Honors from Montville, NJ (Morris County). Erik is a Resident Assistant and lives on-campus at 114 Victoria Street. He serves as the vice president of the Fishing Club. What inspired you to be passionate about your major? […]
#PROFspective: Jazz Studies Major Luis Ozoria
Today we feature first-generation college student Luis Ozoria, a senior Jazz studies major from Galloway (Atlantic County). Luis has been a part of the jazz band, wind ensemble, some time in the orchestra, small jazz ensembles, Rowan brass band and the choir. Why did you choose your major? I always knew I wanted to go […]
7 Dance Majors Share How Their Degree Supports Their Dreams and Goals
Shoot for the stars. Seven Dance majors share how they’re dreaming big and how their degree is going to get them there. “Being in a B.A. dance program gives me the opportunity to expand and customize my dance major. While I am taking dance classes weekly, I also have the opportunity to grow in my […]
International Student, Violinist, Shares: Why Rowan [VIDEO]
Juan Yanez, an international junior from Venezuela, shares his experience as a violinist in the music performance program. He thanks his professor Jiannan Cheng for connecting him to the resources to guide him through the process of becoming a Rowan University student. Video by:Quintin Stinney, sophomore radio/TV/film major
First Year Voices: Music Industry Major Samuel Poku
Today we speak with freshman Music Industry major Samuel Poku, who goes by Poku and is from Old Bridge, NJ (Middlesex County). He is the creator and visionary for the freshman group PROFFAMILY. Why did you choose Rowan? I chose Rowan because it was a really good place for me. Considering my major and the […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Jazz Bass And Classical Cello Major Rafael Alvarez From Tampa, FL
Today we speak with first generation college student, Rafael Alvarez, who is a transfer from Raritan Valley Community College. Rafael is a senior double major in Jazz Bass performance and Classical Cello. He is originally from Tampa, FL. Why did you transfer to Rowan? There were just a lot of opportunities and my brother went […]
Kudos To Professors Who Made An Impact
We recently spoke to students who each picked a professor they’ve had at Rowan who really made an impact on them. Here, the students explain how these professors affected them and what made them truly enjoy their classes. Tiara Gbeintor, junior Psychology major Professor Lisa Abrams, Psychology: “She was a very understanding teacher. She made […]
PA to NJ: Theatre Major, Education Minor Elliot Colahan
Today, we speak to PA native Elliot Colahan! Elliot is a sophomore Theatre major with concentrations in Acting, Musical Theatre and Theatre Education with a minor in Education from Malvern, PA. Elliot tells us more about why he chose to cross the bridge over to Jersey. What are some fun off-campus things to do within 20 […]
