Dean began his musical endeavors at age 7 in the Zion View Community Band performing on trombone. He would join his father and eventually other brothers for weekly rehearsals and weekend summer concerts at various church socials and firemen carnivals.

After graduating from high school, where he performed in various instrumental and vocal ensembles, he completed a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Mansfield University. His early teaching experiences included public school teaching in Virginia (grades 6-12 instrumental instruction) and then as a graduate assistant at the Florida State University.

Upon completion of a Masters of Music Education degree from FSU, Dean taught in the Camp Hill School District for 27 years. During that tenure, he was the instrumental music teacher for the middle and sr. high school as well as the 9th Grade General Music teacher. In addition to instrumental sectionals and lessons, Dean directed the Symphonic/Marching Bands, Sr. High Jazz Band, Middle School Jazz Band, Middle School Summer Music Program, Musical Pit Orchestra, and Holiday Cheer Ensemble.

After 33 years of public school teaching, Dean retired in the summer of 2014. He remains active in music education as a member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. He is on the staffs of The Pollock Performing Arts Center, the Camp Hill Sr. High Marching Band, and is an instructor for the after school program at TPC.