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Susan Zemlin

Adjunct Instructor of Music and Education
Biography

Susan Zemlin is Adjunct Instructor of Music and Education at The College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University where she directs the Women’s Choir and supervises student teachers. She retired as Director of Vocal Music and Music Department Leader at Blaine High School in June, 2021. She previously taught vocal and general music to grades 6-12 in Pipestone, MN.

Ms. Zemlin enjoys the education process for learners of all ages and capabilities. She served on the Anoka-Hennepin Secondary Music Curriculum Writing Team, collaborated with the Special Education Department, and was a member of SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) and the Teacher Leadership Committee while at Blaine High School. She assisted in producing a TEDx event in 2019.

Active in professional organizations, Ms. Zemlin has served as President of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota and Choral Vice-President for the Minnesota Music Educators Association. She is a member of The VoiceCare Network. She was named Minnesota Conductor of the Year by ACDA of MN in 2011 and Music Educator of the Year by MMEA in 2021. In addition, she was a Semi-Finalist for Education Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Ms. Zemlin has sung with the Dale Warland Singers, Warland Symphonic Chorus, and Kantorei. She served as Assistant Conductor for Kantorei from 1996-2009.

Ms. Zemlin earned an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. in Music Education from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She enjoys outdoor activities, including running, biking, swimming, and paddleboarding. Ms. Zemlin and her husband Reid Mortensen live in Coon Rapids, MN.

Education
  • M.M. University of Minnesota
  • B.A. Augustana University