Picture of Jennifer Lang

Jennifer Lang Ph.D., M. Mus., B.Ed., B.Mus. (Music Education), The University of Western Ontario

Acting Vice-Dean Academic, College of Arts & Science/Associate Professor Choral/Music Education

Faculty Member in College Office
Faculty Member in School for the Arts

Office
Education 1049

Research Area(s)

  • Music Education
  • Choral Conducting
  • Engagement and Agency in Music Education Programs
  • Intergenerational Singing
  • Informal Music Learning
  • Newcomer Youth Engagement Music Programs

About me

Dr. Jennifer Lang is an Associate Professor of Music Education and the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Saskatchewan.  She is a co-lead for the University of Saskatchewan’s newly recognized Signature Area in Health & Wellness and serves as the Pillar Lead for Music, Arts, and Wellbeing.  Dr. Lang has been awarded the College of Arts & Science Publicly Engaged Scholar Award for Research, Scholarly, and Artistic Work and she has received the 2020 USSU teaching award.  She is the Graduate Chair and organizer of the Department of Music’s Music Education in Action Series, the founder and organizer of the uSing uSask Choral Festival, the conductor of the Greystone Singers and the Founder and Artistic Director of Aurora Voce.  Her choirs regularly perform with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and other celebrated ensembles and composers.  Dr. Lang has adjudicated most recently at the Saskatchewan Music Festival in Saskatoon and Regina in 2023; the Manitoba ChoralFest in 2022; Cantando Festival 2019 in Alberta; ChorFest 2019 in Saskatchewan; the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival 2019; ChoralFest North 2018 in Alberta; 2017 Cantando Sun Peaks Festival in British Columbia; and ChorFest 2016 in Saskatchewan. Her forthcoming edited book, Music and wellbeing in education and community contexts, presents a variety of contributed chapters exploring the intersections of music education and wellbeing.  Prior to completing her doctorate, Jennifer served as a program leader of vocal and instrumental secondary school music with the District of Niagara Arts Academy in the District School Board of Niagara.  

Dr. Lang’s research examines engagement and agency in music education programs, including informal music learning in a variety of educational contexts, music creation in the classroom, and intergenerational singing programs. Jennifer is also active as a conductor, choral adjudicator, clinician and conference presenter with local, provincial, national, and international invitations.   Dr. Lang has adjudicated most recently at Cantando Festival 2019 in Alberta; ChorFest 2019 in Saskatchewan; the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival 2019 in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan; ChoralFest North 2018 in Alberta; 2017 Cantando Sun Peaks Festival in British Columbia; and ChorFest 2016 in Saskatchewan.  Her recent international conference presentations include:  International Symposium on the Sociology of Music Education (2023, 2021, 2019, 2013); Research in Music Education (2023, 2019, 2017, 2015); Choral Canada's Podium (2022, 2018), Progressive Methods in Music Education (2018); and the International Society for Music Education (2022, 2016, 2014, 2012).

Artistic Works

Dr. Lang is active as a conductor, choral adjudicator, clinician and conference presenter with local, provincial, national, and international invitations having adjudicated most recently at ChoralFest North 2018 in Alberta, 2017 Cantando Sun Peaks Festival in British Columbia, and ChorFest 2016 in Saskatchewan.  

2015-present            Conductor, Greystone Singers, University of Saskatchewan

2015-2016                Conductor, University Chorus, University of Saskatchewan

2011-2015                Conductor, Amabile Choirs of London, Canada

2012-2014                Conductor, The UWO choir, University of Western Ontario

2013-2014                Conductor, The Faculty of Education Singers, University of Western Ontario 

Teaching & Supervision

University of Saskatchewan (2015-present) 

Greystone Singers (MUAP 203)

Critical Perspectives in Music Education (EMUS 805)

Introduction to Music Education (EMUS 115)

Graduate Music Education Student Capstone Course (EMUS 991)

Teaching Music in the Elementary School (EMUS 431)

Choral Music Teaching in the Secondary School (EMUS 438)

Choral Pedagogy (MUS 428/828)

Seminar in Choral Literature and Materials (MUS 453/833)

Supervisor: Teacher Education Candidates


University of Western Ontario (2011-2016)

 2016 – July              Invited Professor in collaboration with Dr. Ruth Wright,Musical Futures, Graduate Course & Continuing Education Course                                                 

 2014-2015               Instructor, Curriculum and Pedagogy: Senior Vocal Music, Faculty of Education

                                  Supervisor: Teacher education candidates

2014-2015                Instructor,Practicum in Choral Techniques, Don Wright Faculty of Music

2014-2015                Instructor,Teaching Assistant Training Program,Teaching Support Centre

2013-2015                Instructor,Curriculum and Pedagogy: Junior/Intermediate Vocal Music, Faculty of Education

2013-2014                Lead Graduate Teaching Assistant: Workshop Development and Peer Mentorship 

2012-2013                Instructor, Introduction to Music Education, Don Wright Faculty of Music

2009-2011                Program Leader, Music, District School Board of Niagara 

2002-2011                Secondary School Teacher,Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, English, Senior Sociology, Geography, Special Education, District School Board of Niagara 

2007                         Visiting Teacher, Umculo! Kimberley Program to South Africa, University of Alberta

2005                            Visiting Teacher,ESL Program, Thailand, Columbia International College

Research

Choral Conducting Music Education Music Engagement and Agency Sociology of music education informal music learning intergenerational singing

Dr. Lang's research examines engagement and agency in music education programs, including informal music learning in a variety of educational contexts, music and language learning for Newcomer Youth in Canada, and intergenerational singing programs with singers with dementia.  

Awards & Honours

  • Publicly Engaged Scholar, awarded by College of Arts & Science May 2023
  • USSU Teaching Award, awarded by University of Saskatchewan March 2020