Dean has over forty years of teaching and performance experience. He holds a Master's in Music Education and a Bachelor's in Jazz Studies. He is currently on the adjunct faculty of the University of The Akron where he teaches Jazz Guitar, directs the Jazz Guitar/Bass Studio Class, conducts The University of Akron Jazz Guitar Ensemble and coaches Small Ensembles.
Dean's experience is vast, from the Theater Pit to the Jazz Club, and the Concert Stage with the The Cleveland Pops Orchestra, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Kent State Symphony and with members of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Dean is currently hosting the eighth year of the University of Akron Jazz Workshop with Tim Akin on bass and Mark Gonder on drum set every Wednesday at 9:00 PM at Baxter's in downtown Akron (205 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio).