Sean Jacobson graduated from SJU in 2013 with a degree in Music Education.

“I would just say that my greatest joys in teaching have been watching the “aha!” moments when students have breakthroughs, small or large, when they start to grasp a new concept or skill and see that they’re capable of overcoming challenges and doing things they didn’t think they could before.”

Sean has been working as the director of 4th-6th grade bands for the Saint Cloud Area Catholic Community Schools since 2014. Outside of teaching, Sean accompanies for the Saint John’s Boys’ Choir and Minnesota Center Chorale as a collaborative pianist, and serves on the board of directors for the Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud.

His musical talents have carried him to become a trumpeter for the Amadeus Chamber Symphony, freelancer work as both a pianist and trumpeter for the GREAT Theatre, trumpeter and substitute organist at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, substitute in the Saint Cloud Symphony Orchestra, and teaching in his small private piano studio.

After deciding in high school to make music his career in some way or another, he took on a few piano students. From then on, he was hooked. “Being able to spread my love of music to others has become one of my greatest joys in life!” After graduating, he admits that he never saw himself teaching at the elementary level. His experience teaching young musicians has completely changed his perspective on music and teaching. He told us about how much joy there is in watching a student’s face light up when they grasp something new. “I’ve found that teaching beginning band is all about celebrating little victories. When you start to look, they’re all over the place, and can be every bit as exciting as the big victories.”

Sean gave credit to CSB/SJU for helping him foster and grow his level of musicianship. During his time on campus, he played in several ensembles, both on and off campus, and started accompanying for fellow musicians’ recitals and juries. Sean says that his many obligations taught him to manage time and practice efficiently. Beyond time management, Sean spoke highly of his experience collaborating with others. “Getting to play and interact with the other wonderful musicians at CSB/SJU and learn from the incredible faculty exposed me to different musical perspectives and made me look at music through a much more collaborative lens.” Sean’s perspective perfectly sums up the mission of the Music Department at CSB/SJU – to help students grow in their own musicality, as well as their collaborative artistry.