Wendy Barden - Music Education Consultant

Wendy Barden is currently the Director of Professional Development and Resource Programs at Perpich Center for Arts Education, the Minnesota state agency that supports Arts educators across the state. With more than four decades of classroom and administrative experience in ISD279 - Osseo (Minnesota) Area Schools, she is ready to partner with you to maximize student learning!  

Experienced in Music Education

Wendy began her career in 1977, and for the first fifteen years, she taught band and general music in grades 7-9. During that time she was named a Yamaha National Mentor Teacher, MENC Nationally Certified Music Educator, and 1992 Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Band Educator of the Year. (She still loves the occasional opportunity to make music at summer music camp or with middle level honor bands!)

In 1992, Wendy moved into the role of district music coordinator. Still active in the classroom during much of this time, her teaching experience broadened to include third grade classroom music, elementary band and orchestra, high school band and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Music. She also served as curriculum integration coordinator at the district's elementary arts magnet school. (It was a busy time!) Barden was recognized as a 2013 Yale Distinguished Music Educator, and was very honored to join the MMEA Hall of Fame in February 2014.

Under Wendy’s leadership, Osseo Area Schools was recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in five consecutive years. 

Music Education Programs & Services

Wendy continues to be actively engaged in many of the same opportunities and challenges you face.

• State Standards for Music / National Core Arts Standards
• Standards-based curriculum, instruction, assessment, and grading
• Assessment in the arts  
• Student retention in ensembles
• Core literacy through music - language, reading, writing, speaking & listening 
• Gathering and using achievement data to measure student growth

She approaches each of these areas in a rigorous, yet very practical way to support music teaching and learning in our K-12 classrooms. Wendy Barden’s extensive experience is available to you through Segue Consulting Partners. Contact Us to learn more about bringing her experience and expertise to your school or district. Special note for Minnesota schools: Dr. Barden is able to provide professional development in your music program at no cost through the Perpich Center for Arts Education. 

Education and Professional Memberships

Wendy Barden holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in music education from the University of Minnesota. Her Ph.D., also from the University of Minnesota, is in music with emphasis in music education and musicology. She has pursued additional study in assessment, arts integration, and creativity. 

Dr. Barden has actively served as president of the Minnesota Band Directors Association, Minnesota Music Educators Association, and The Evergreen Club. She is also a member of Phi Beta Mu. 

Publications

Wendy Barden’s extensive work with students at all levels is the basis of several resources published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company. 

Learn more about these resources.