Brian Lydeen, DMA

Professor of Music
Director of Woodwind and Jazz Studies

School of Arts & Sciences

About Me

At the University of Mary, I teach applied lessons for saxophone, clarinet, and flute, as well as coach chamber groups in those areas. I remain active as a performer and enjoy working with students of all levels and abilities. In addition to woodwind studies, I am also the director for the jazz studies offerings at Mary, including directing the jazz ensembles and combos, teaching jazz improvisation, and coordinating our annual UMary Jazz Festival.

Why I’m At Mary

I am a proud alumnus of the University of Mary. The reason I came back to Mary as a professor is for the people. I am here for the wonderful students I get to work with and my amazing colleagues. It's truly a joy to go to work every day. The students, faculty, and staff at Mary share an incredible sense of community.

Expertise

My areas of specialty are saxophone, woodwind performance, and chamber music. I perform regularly on saxophone, clarinet, and flute. I am an avid jazz musician and also specialize in teaching about jazz performance, history, and improvisation. In addition to teaching and performing, I regularly serve as an adjudicator and clinician through the surrounding area and region.

2021 — Featured Bass Clarinet Soloist on Jonathon Russell's "Double Bass Clarinet Concerto" with the Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra

2020 — Saxophonist and Flautist for Prairie Public Television's "Prairie Musicians" Program

2020 — North Dakota National Guard 188th Army Band Saxophone Quartet Performance at the 42nd International Navy Saxophone Symposium

Principal Saxophonist with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra.

Founder of and Saxophonist with the BisMan Little Big Band

Education

DMA (Music Performance): University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2013
MM (Music Performance): University of North Carolina "Greeley, 1997
BS (Music Education): University of Mary, 1994