Meet the Chair: Dr. Carlene Brown

From teaching K-8 students in public and private schools to working for the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a summer arts program; from working as a Board Certified Music Therapist with disabled children in schools, and adolescents in a residential psychiatric facility, to serving as the director of programming for a community music school; from serving as the organist for churches in Seattle to working with young musicians to perform on the Moore Theatre stage in Seattle - it is a foundation that inspires me as chair of the Music Department at Seattle Pacific. I remember and honor those music teachers in my life who gave me this foundation and inspired me to pursue my life goals. 

Whether you are seeking entrance to a graduate degree program; developing skills in performance, songwriting, technology, music therapy; or desiring a university-level experience in a performance ensemble, you will find our Music Department faculty rich in diverse training and experience, all with one common focus: you, our students. 

We believe music can make a difference, in individual lives, in creating community, in promoting health and wellness. We believe that our commitment to studying, creating, performing, and sharing the art of music is how we engage the culture, and change the world. It is also a deeply fulfilling career, with many options to use your professional skills as a musician. 

We have unique offerings in our programs, with music technology & production courses required for all music majors, regardless of emphasis and degree. We are also proud to have the only music therapy program in the state of Washington. We invite you to visit and hopefully join our community, to be a part of what makes the SPU Music Department a unique and creative space for you to thrive. Whether you are a music major or a minor planning for a career in music, or a non-major who just wants to sing or play jazz, we welcome you to our department and into our community, where lifelong foundations are built.