Faculty Achievements

UT Music Professor’s Albums Reach No. 1, Remain Strong on Amazon Latin Jazz Charts

The music of Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero, director of music business and communications in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, continues to resonate with listeners worldwide. Two of his albums recently reached the No. 1 spot on Amazon’s Best Sellers list for Latin Jazz and remain strong on the charts. As of September 12,…
Professor Hillary Herndon Honored with UT’s Thomas Jefferson Prize

Hillary Herndon, professor of viola at the University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Prize, one of the highest faculty honors bestowed by the university. Presented during last week’s Academic Honors Banquet, the Thomas Jefferson Prize recognizes tenured or tenure-track faculty members for…
UT Wind Ensemble Makes Historic Debut at National Conference

For the first time in the University of Tennessee Band Program’s 155-year history, the UT Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) National Conference on March 27 in Fort Worth, Texas. The UT Wind Ensemble is one of only seven performing groups selected to perform on a…
UT Music Professor’s Albums Chart on Amazon’s Best Sellers List

The music of Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero, director of music business and communications in the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, is making waves in the Latin Jazz world once again. His latest album, Desserts (2023), reached No. 1 on Amazon’s Best Sellers list for Latin Jazz, with Table for Five (2021) following at No.…
Professor Hillary Herndon Appointed as Director of Sewanee Summer Music Festival

The University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is proud to announce that Professor Hillary Herndon, professor of viola, has been appointed as the new director of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Herndon will assume the role following a successful tenure as the festival’s associate director from 2018 to 2024. The Sewanee Summer…
Professor Jorge Variego Named FY25 Music Fellow

The UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is thrilled to announce that Jorge Variego, professor of music and technology, has been honored with the FY25 Individual Artist Fellowship in Music Composition by the Tennessee Arts Commission. This award celebrates Variego’s outstanding achievements in contemporary music composition and his significant contributions to the arts community. …
Exploring Polyrhythms through Pop Music: Kevin Zetina of UT Music publishes latest book

Kevin Zetina, lecturer of percussion at the University of Tennessee College of Music, has recently unveiled a captivating exploration into the world of polyrhythms within popular music. Titled Polyrhythms Through Pop Music, this book is a testament to his expertise and passion for rhythm. Zetina’s book delves into the intricate rhythms found in popular songs,…
UT College of Music’s Ryan Lindveit Named 2024 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award Recipient

The UT College of Music is proud to announce that Ryan Lindveit, Lecturer of Music Theory & Composition, has been named a recipient of the 2024 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award. This esteemed recognition celebrates the exceptional talent and creativity of young composers in the realm of concert music. Lindveit’s award-winning composition, enriched…
UT Music’s Melinda Crecelius-Lanham and James Fellenbaum Honored at 2024 Honors Banquet

Melinda Crecelius-Lanham, Director of Advising, and James Fellenbaum, Associate Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestras, were celebrated on Wednesday night at the 2024 University of Tennessee’s Honors Banquet. Each spring, UT takes the opportunity to acknowledge academic and professional excellence. These awards spotlight individuals who embody the Volunteer spirit through remarkable research and…
Chih-Long Hu of UT Music Named MTNA Fellow

CINCINNATI, OHIO – Chih-Long Hu, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was honored by Music Teachers National Association as an MTNA FOUNDATION Fellow during the 2024 MTNA National Conference. The MTNA FOUNDATION Fellow program offers a meaningful method of recognition for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to music teaching. The award is bestowed when a peer or…