Jonathan Kraemer serves as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music in Howard Payne University’s School of Education & Fine Arts. With 19 years of teaching experience, including three years at HPU, Kraemer brings a strong background in music education, conducting, musicology, and student mentorship to his role. His work reflects a lifelong passion for music and a commitment to helping students grow both artistically and personally.
Kraemer teaches a wide variety of courses and ensembles, including Music History I, II, III, and IV, Music Appreciation, Instrumental Techniques, University Band, Symphonic Band, Freshman Seminar, and Introduction to Apologetics. He also serves as a Clinical Teaching Supervisor and is involved with the New Horizons Band and Central Texas Community Band. The range of his responsibilities allows him to work with students in different stages of their academic and musical development.
One of the aspects Kraemer values most about teaching at HPU is the university’s smaller class sizes. He appreciates having the opportunity to know students personally and build meaningful mentoring relationships with them. He also values the campus-wide culture of supporting student success and believes that strong relationships between faculty and students can have a lasting impact on both academic achievement and personal growth.
Kraemer especially appreciates being able to teach and serve in a faith-filled environment that reflects his own relationship with Jesus Christ. For him, faith is an important part of both his personal life and his calling as an educator. He sees music education not simply as a profession, but as an opportunity to use his gifts in service to others.
Music has been an important part of Kraemer’s life for as long as he can remember. His passion for teaching comes from the joy of sharing that love of music with students and helping them develop their own abilities. He views his work as an educator as part of his God-given calling and enjoys helping students grow in confidence, discipline, creativity, and musicianship.
Kraemer earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from East Texas Baptist University. He later completed a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Texas Tech University, followed by a Ph.D. in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Musicology from Texas Tech University. His academic background in education, conducting, and musicology provides him with a broad perspective that informs both his classroom teaching and ensemble leadership.
In addition to his teaching and conducting responsibilities, Kraemer is also an author. He co-authored The Band Director’s Guide to Success: A Survival Guide for New Music Educators, published by Oxford University Press, with his wife.
Outside of HPU, Kraemer enjoys spending time with his family. He also serves as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church Brownwood, where he continues to combine his faith and musical background in service to the church community.
Kraemer’s office is located in DMC 206. Through his teaching, conducting, mentorship, faith, and service, he seeks to help students develop as musicians, educators, and individuals while encouraging them to use their talents with purpose and excellence.
