Danni Gilbert
2106 4th St S
Minneapolis,
MN
55455
Dr. Danni Gilbert is the Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In addition, Dr. Gilbert teaches online graduate music education courses for Kent State University. Prior to her appointment at UMN, Dr. Gilbert served as Associate Professor of Practice in Music Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Assistant Professor of Music at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, taught saxophone and clarinet at Iowa Western Community College, taught saxophone and music theory at the College of Saint Mary, and directed elementary and intermediate band for Blair Community Schools. She also has performed as a saxophonist with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra since 2009. Dr. Gilbert received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She received her master’s degree in saxophone performance and her Ph.D. in music education, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Dr. Gilbert is the recipient of the 2025 Minnesota Music Educators Association Collegiate Music Educator of the Year Award, the 2023 College Distinguished Teaching Award from the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the 2020 Nebraska Music Educators Association Outstanding Music Educator Award.
Active in various forms of creativity and research, Dr. Gilbert’s work has been published in the: Journal of Research in Music Education; Journal of Music Teacher Education; Music Educators Journal; Journal of Music,Technology and Education; College Music Symposium; Research & Issues in Music Education; Early Childhood Education Journal; Teaching Music; Interval: Journal of the Minnesota Music Educators Association Conference; Florida Music Director; Nebraska Music Educator; Contributions to Music Education; and, Arts Education Policy Review. Dr. Gilbert's book, Music Educators Wanted! Ten Essential Qualifications for Success (Kendall Hunt), is intended for pre-service music educators and those aspiring to teach music. She has presented research and practitioner sessions at professional conferences around the globe. Dr. Gilbert’s research interests include health and wellness in music education, making music education accessible and equitable for all, and strengthening music teacher preparation. Dr. Gilbert frequently serves as a clinician, adjudicator, saxophonist, and guest conductor.
Educational Background
- Bachelor's of Music in Music Education: Music Education, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Master's of Music in Music Performance: Saxophone Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Doctor of Philosophy in Music: Music Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln