B.M. Boise State University; M.M. University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign; D.M.E. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

A recent graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Dr. Shawn McNamara completed his dissertation on the topic of democracy in music education in the fall of 2019. He has presented his research internationally at the International Society for the Philosophy of Music Education (2019) as well as being invited to present at the International Society of Music Education (2020) In addition to his studies in music education at IU, he pursued a jazz minor and a specialization in early trombone (sackbut). 

As a performer Dr. McNamara is interested in early and contemporary trombone performance and his pedagogy reflects inclusion of a diverse array of musical genres. A freelance performer he has recently performed with the Peoria Symphony. His trombone studies have lead him to work with Dr. Linda Pearse (early trombone), Carl Lenthe, Elliot Chasanov, Jim Pugh, David Mathie, and Cleve Maloon. Dr. McNamara is also on faculty with Illinois State University in the music education department.