Meet the Artist

Jane Gowen, soprano, is a natural story-teller with a rich history in classical, musical theatre, jazz, and choral styles. Holding a B.S. in Music Education from the University of Mary (2022) and a certificate of completion from the Voice Pedagogy Institute of Westminster Choir College, Jane will graduate with a M.M. in Vocal Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory in May 2025.

Jane has studied voice with GRAMMY®-nominated soprano Dr. Fotina Naumenko, Melissa McCann, and Youna Hartgraves. Her vocal coaches have included Wei-Han Wu and Maja Tremiszewska, and she has studied acting under director and professor Dan Bielinski. Jane has also performed professionally as a French Horn player, having studied the instrument for ten years with her father and professor, Dennis Gowen, and is an amateur accompanist.

Most notably, Jane has performed the roles of Adele in Die Fledermaus and Edith in Pirates of Penzance. In 2022, she made her debut with the Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra as Despina in Cosi fan Tutte. In contemporary music, Jane rocked out for four years in the regionally-touring Vocal Jazz Ensemble of University of Mary. She has also performed a number of original compositions in recital, concert, and church settings. An aspiring VOCES8 member (…hint-hint…), she is a recurring performer in North Dakota’s only professional vocal ensemble: Dakota Pro Musica.

Jane is a state- and regional-level winner and nationally-qualifying singer in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions in both the classical and musical theatre categories. She is also a recipient of the Rislov Foundation Classical Music Education Grant.

Jane’s teaching approach combines functional knowledge of the voice with compassionate care for the singer’s mind and body. She collaborates with her students to maximize learning, minimize injury, and fuel creative, artistic expression. “I delight in listening and responding to each unique voice, personal goals, and interests. I balance structure and clear objectives with utmost respect for the human body’s and voice’s natural fluctuations. Every skill needs time for mastery. In an exciting—and patient—journey, my students become independent musicians, able to make their mark on the musical world.”

Jane recently music-directed Frozen Jr. with Huzzah! Theatre of the Independent School of Winchester. She also has entry-level choral directing experience in church and educational settings. Having always been drawn to service, Jane has a decade of experience mentoring and teaching youth.