Graduating Class

Megan Colpitts: Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory

Dylan Doan: Bachelor of Music Education

Madi Raichart: Bachelor of Music in Jazz & American Improvised Music Performance

Calvin Vaughn: Bachelor of Music Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance
Bachelor of Music Education

About:

Jaeden Rooker is a musician and music educator from Colorado Springs Colorado.

Future Career Goals:

In the future Jaeden aspires to become a high quality and effective music educator and musician. He plans on perusing higher degrees later in life.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

A special “coming full circle” moment for me was passing along the kindness, and acceptance I was given by professors and peers at MSU to my students at its Peak Prep. A student was struggling, and he was scared. We took a moment, we breathed, and we went on. Life and academia can be less serious than many of us believe.

Degree:

Bachelor of Music Education

About:

I had a unique path to music education. I didn’t take traditional music classes in school; instead, I grew up following my older brother’s bands, going from a thirteen-year-old merch seller to playing guitar in my own bands by seventeen. At nineteen, I moved to Austin, Texas, to study audio engineering at the Recording Conservatory of Austin and perform in the ‘Live Music Capital of the World.’ I eventually found my way to Denver to start a music degree, and I’m so proud to be leaving as a dedicated music educator!

Future Career Goals:

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve accepted a full-time elementary music teaching position in the Jeffco Public Schools district for the 2026-2027 school year! Alongside my career in education, I look forward to performing live and diving deeper into the world of audio and music production.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

The tone for my time here was set on day one by the kindness of Elaine Stanley. Working as a department work-study allowed me to see the heart of the program and contribute to the department daily.

I’ve been lucky to learn from incredible minds. My theory teachers Chris Keelan, Cherise Leiter, and Dr. David Farrell helped me understand the language of music, which was super tough early on! I spent countless hours on Chris Keelan’s office couch getting in that extra practice! As a Jazz Guitar student, being in the room with Dawn Clement, Shane Endsley, Pat McDevitt, and Dru Heller was a privilege I never took for granted. My guitar teacher, Dave Devine, is a true coach and friend who changed my approach to music forever. It still blows my mind that I was able to learn from one of my favorite guitar players!

Finally, a special shoutout to Dr. Aguilar and Dr. Kish. Their leadership in music education gave me the foundation I need to step into my own classroom. The MSU Denver Music Department will always have my gratitude!

Degree:

Bachelor of Music Education

About:

I’m 27 years old and was born and raised here in Colorado, I actually started MSU Denver back in 2017 right out of high school and struggled immensely to the point of suspension. A low point that I’m grateful for as it was necessary for me to grow both as a person and musician before coming back in 2022 determined to finish what I’d started and here I am finally at the end and I’m incredibly happy and despite the hurdles wouldn’t have changed a damn thing. I was inspired to teach music by my own band director Stephanie Texera, the impact she had on my life changed it’s course completely and I can only hope to live up to her and make her proud someday.

I’ve really got three joys in my life video games, music/teaching, and my wonderful girlfriend Andi Bean who is also graduating and becoming a music teacher alongside me, I wouldn’t have made it nearly as far as I have without her and am so thankful we can finish this side by side together.

Future Career Goals:

My goal was always to teach secondary music at a high school as a band director, but my time in elementary alongside my mentor Ms. Danielle Bayert opened my heart to the little’s and while it’s made the decision harder in the end it’s a win win whether I get to teach elementary or high school music. Alongside that my dream is to simply teach music, play video games, eat yummy food and hang out with my wonderful girlfriend.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

I never made my time at MSU Denver easy but my professors and peers filled my time there with unforgettable experiences and I’m grateful for all of them. Mark Harris my saxophone professor was one of the most caring and understanding mentors I’ve ever had, I’m eternally grateful for his support and guidance on the saxophone especially for always believing in me and I hope I’ve made him proud and that he’s enjoying retirement. My time in Symphonic Band led by Dr. Kish will always be at the heart of my time here at MSU Denver, creating and performing great music together was always my favorite and I was incredibly saddened to play my last concert for him last fall. Finally I’d never thought I’d be up on a stage performing my favorite song from my favorite band “Twenty One Pilots” to a full house, especially not as a singer! A truly defining moment of my whole life and I’m thankful to my professor Dave Devine for that opportunity!

Degree:

Bachelor of Music in Jazz & American Improvised Music Piano Performance

About:

I’ve played piano on and off since I was 8 years old. But I never really fell in love with it until playing in Jazz band during high school. Since then, I’ve discovered some of my favorite music and met some of my favorite people through this music.

Future Career Goals:

I plan to keep playing music wherever and whenever I can! I will continue to grow my career as a pianist and continue making music with my favorite musicians and best friends.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

One experience I’ll never forget was showing up to MSU Denver as a freshmen in the middle of Covid, and being greeted by Ron Miles on my first day of combo. Ron was so welcoming and kind during my first few semesters and he taught me so much. Getting the chance to work with him has been one of the greatest privileges of my time at MSU Denver.

Degree:

Bachelor of Music Education

About:

My name is Andi Bean I am 25 years old. I was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado. I started band with my twin sister Jami who is graduating today too. I joined band in 5th grade on trumpet then joined percussion in high school. I fell in love with making and experiencing music. Later in high school I taught at an after school program which led me to love teaching. I’ve taught preschool for 10 years now and am excited to teach music to kids ECE-12. I am combining two things I love into one career which I’m so excited to begin. I found another love in college my Boyfriend Luis Chan who I wouldn’t be the same without. Luis and I met in our Music Education classes and I couldn’t be more grateful to find someone so wonderful in my life.

Future Career Goals:

I am excited to continue learning through play and having the opportunity to meet students where they are so they can further enjoy music and create it. I hope to teach in Colorado at an Elementary school that serves preschool- 6th. I am excited to continue learning everyday in the classroom with students I can learn with.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

Cherise Leiter and Chris Keelan who never gave up on me in Music Theory lab classes who met with me during office hours and gave me chances to continue learning. I appreciate everything you both did for me through the years. Dr. Kish and Dr. Aguilar who followed up and always accepted questions and I saw every day efforts to make the learning as connectable and supported as possible. I learned so much of teaching from you both thank you for everything. I actually met Luis in my music theory Lab classes and will never forget that class which was difficult but so worth it.