College of Music News
- UT String Project Makes Music Accessible to Knoxville Schoolchildren
The UT String Project runs first-, second-, and third-year classes on campus for Knoxville children during fall and spring semesters. The classes consist mainly of elementary-age children, with some middle school students in private, upper-level lessons. Typically, such instruction costs hundreds… Read more: UT String Project Makes Music Accessible to Knoxville Schoolchildren - 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… Read more: Professor Hillary Herndon Honored with UT’s Thomas Jefferson Prize - UT Music Student Avery Noe named recipient of the Presser Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholar Award
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud to announce that Avery Noe, a senior double majoring in musicology and history with minors in music theory and applied music, has been named the… Read more: UT Music Student Avery Noe named recipient of the Presser Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholar Award - Convocation Spring 2025: Celebrating Talent and AchievementLast Thursday marked a special occasion as we gathered to honor the accomplishments of our talented Natalie L. Haslam College of Music students throughout the academic year at our biannual convocation. Attendees were treated to captivating performances, showcasing the top… Read more: Convocation Spring 2025: Celebrating Talent and Achievement
- Aamir Walton named Senior Director of Advancement at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music The University of Tennessee’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music has named Aamir Walton as its next senior director of advancement. With more than a decade of fundraising experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector – and a track… Read more: Aamir Walton named Senior Director of Advancement at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
- UT Music Librarian Tapped as World Expert on Graceland MansionIn a recent article for UT Libraries‘ Speaking Volumes, Durman reflects on interviewing with the BBC and what it meant to represent UT on the global stage.
- 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… Read more: UT Wind Ensemble Makes Historic Debut at National Conference
- 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… Read more: UT Music Professor’s Albums Chart on Amazon’s Best Sellers List - Behind the Music: A Look Inside the Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency For one unforgettable week, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music welcomed the internationally acclaimed, GRAMMY-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet for a dynamic residency in February 2025, immersing students in the artistry, collaboration, and innovation that define chamber music at its… Read more: Behind the Music: A Look Inside the Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency
- Auditions Open for Community-Based Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble Andy Bliss, associate professor of percussion at UT, serves as the director of the new community-based ensemble.
- UT Music Launches Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series with Grammy-Nominated Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency
There’s something truly special about having world-class artistry come to campus—especially when it’s part of a multi-year commitment to elevate student learning and engage the community. The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee is doing… Read more: UT Music Launches Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series with Grammy-Nominated Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency - UT College of Music sees rise in retention ratesOriginally posted in the Daily Beacon, written by Samantha Whitley The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music is one of the few independent music colleges in the United States and is recognized as the fourth college at the University of Tennessee… Read more: UT College of Music sees rise in retention rates
- Drum Line Member Uses Engineering Resources to Fix PartOriginal story written by Rhiannon Potkey, Tickle College of Engineering Anukkah Burleson thought there had to be a better solution to fix the whale tail connector on the carrier of her bass drum. Every year, like clockwork, the part would… Read more: Drum Line Member Uses Engineering Resources to Fix Part
- 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… Read more: Professor Hillary Herndon Appointed as Director of Sewanee Summer Music Festival - 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… Read more: Professor Jorge Variego Named FY25 Music Fellow - Professor Hillary Herndon Honored with Distinguished Service Award by American Viola SocietyIn recognition of her exceptional contributions and leadership in the field of music, Hillary Herndon, professor of viola at the UT Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the American Viola Society… Read more: Professor Hillary Herndon Honored with Distinguished Service Award by American Viola Society
- UT College of Music To Be Named After Natalie L. Haslam
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Music will be named the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, following approval by the Board of Trustees during its meeting that ended June 25. The recognition is in honor of alumna Natalie L. Haslam,… Read more: UT College of Music To Be Named After Natalie L. Haslam - 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… Read more: Exploring Polyrhythms through Pop Music: Kevin Zetina of UT Music publishes latest book - Mehrenegar Rostami Joins UT’s Musicology Faculty
The University of Tennessee College of Music proudly welcomes Mehrenegar Rostami to its musicology faculty for fall 2024. With a rich educational background and a passion for exploring the intricate connections between music and political philosophy, Rostami brings a unique… Read more: Mehrenegar Rostami Joins UT’s Musicology Faculty - 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… Read more: UT College of Music’s Ryan Lindveit Named 2024 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award Recipient - Renowned Guitarist/Music Executive Juan Carlos Quintero Joins UT College of Music
Juan Carlos “JC” Quintero, an esteemed Latin jazz guitarist and music executive, is set to join the University of Tennessee College of Music as a professor of practice and Director of Music Communications and Business for fall 2024. Known for… Read more: Renowned Guitarist/Music Executive Juan Carlos Quintero Joins UT College of Music - Jennifer Salamone Joins UT College of Music Faculty
The University of Tennessee’s College of Music proudly announces the addition of Jennifer Salamone to its music theory faculty for fall 2024. With a strong background in music education and dedication to community engagement, Salamone brings a wealth of experience… Read more: Jennifer Salamone Joins UT College of Music Faculty - Taber Gable Joins UT’s College of Music Jazz Faculty
The University of Tennessee’s College of Music welcomes a new addition to its jazz faculty for fall 2024: Taber Gable, a renowned jazz pianist and educator. Gable’s musical journey traces back to his formative years, where the eclectic sounds of… Read more: Taber Gable Joins UT’s College of Music Jazz Faculty - Music Meets Media: UT College of Music and UT College of Communication & Information Partner in Two New BA Programs for Fall 2024
In a groundbreaking collaboration between the UT College of Music (COM) and the UT College of Communication & Information (CCI), two innovative Bachelor of Arts degree concentrations are set to redefine the intersection of creativity and communication. Designed to meet… Read more: Music Meets Media: UT College of Music and UT College of Communication & Information Partner in Two New BA Programs for Fall 2024 - 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… Read more: UT Music’s Melinda Crecelius-Lanham and James Fellenbaum Honored at 2024 Honors Banquet - Spring 2024 Convocation: Celebrating Talent, Community, and Achievement
Last Thursday marked a special occasion as we gathered to honor the accomplishments of our talented College of Music students throughout the academic year at our biannual convocation. Attendees were treated to captivating performances, showcasing the top three winners of… Read more: Spring 2024 Convocation: Celebrating Talent, Community, and Achievement - UT Student Avery Noe Wins Stanford Humanities Division with Delaney Research
This past week, Avery Noe, a junior double majoring in Musicology and History, was selected to attend the Stanford Undergraduate Research Conference and the Harvard Graduate Music Forum Conference to present her research on the lives and legacies of two… Read more: UT Student Avery Noe Wins Stanford Humanities Division with Delaney Research - 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… Read more: Chih-Long Hu of UT Music Named MTNA Fellow - “Gospel in the Gardens” Concert to Uplift Spirits and Fight Food Deserts
Music enthusiasts and philanthropists alike are eagerly anticipating the upcoming “Gospel in the Gardens” concert, set to take place on Saturday, May 4 at 6 PM at Payne Avenue Baptist Church (2714 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave) in Knoxville, Tennessee.… Read more: “Gospel in the Gardens” Concert to Uplift Spirits and Fight Food Deserts - UT Wind Ensemble to perform during CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference
The UT Wind Ensemble, the premier wind band of the College of Music, was selected to perform during the invitational College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Southern Division Conference. The CBDNA is a grassroots organization that serves a variety of… Read more: UT Wind Ensemble to perform during CBDNA/NBA Southern Division Conference - Startup funding awarded to Music Business major during Vol Court competition
Robert Troutman, a senior music business major from Lenoir City, Tennessee, earned second place in the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEI) Vol Court competition. Vol Court is a four-week entrepreneurial speaker series that culminates in a 90-second business… Read more: Startup funding awarded to Music Business major during Vol Court competition - UT Trumpet Ensemble invited to National Trumpet Competition
One of the largest trumpet competitions in the world, the National Trumpet Competition features many different competition categories and age groups ranging from very young children to college trumpeters. After a very rigorous and selective application process, the UT Trumpet… Read more: UT Trumpet Ensemble invited to National Trumpet Competition - UT Jazz professors’ records rank in the Top 10 Jazz album charts
As reported by Roots Music Report and JazzWeek, three UT Jazz professors’ work landed in the Top 10 Jazz album charts: - Hillary Herndon of UT Music named 2024 Individual Artist Fellow
The Tennessee Arts Commission recently named Hillary Herndon, professor of viola at UT College of Music, as their 2024 Individual Artist Fellow in the Music Performance category. The TN Arts Commission’s Individual Artist Fellowship was created to recognize and acknowledge… Read more: Hillary Herndon of UT Music named 2024 Individual Artist Fellow - Leslie C. Gay, Jr. of UT Music Contributes to Award-Winning Book
Leslie C. Gay, Jr., associate professor of musicology, was a contributing author to the book Audible Infrastructures: Music, Sound, Media, which was awarded the prestigious Ellen Koskoff Edited Volume Prize at the 2023 Society for Ethnomusicology Meeting. The prize is… Read more: Leslie C. Gay, Jr. of UT Music Contributes to Award-Winning Book - UT Symphony Orchestra named 2023 winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance
Founded in 2010, The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nation’s most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts. The American Prize is designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, directors, ensembles… Read more: UT Symphony Orchestra named 2023 winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance - College of Music Launches New Degree in Fall 2024: Accepting Applications Now
In collaboration with the College of Communication & Information, the College of Music is launching a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Advertising and Public Relations for Fall Semester 2024. With coursework and opportunities provided by both colleges, students will… Read more: College of Music Launches New Degree in Fall 2024: Accepting Applications Now - College of Music Announces New Partnership with Pellissippi State Community College
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Music has entered into an agreement with Pellissippi State Community College that provides a bridge from Pellissippi State’s Associate of Applied Science in media technologies/audio production engineering to UT’s Bachelor of Arts in… Read more: College of Music Announces New Partnership with Pellissippi State Community College - Ryan Lindveit’s Composition “Mysterious Butterflies” Wins Fourth Call for ScoresA composer taking inspiration from literature, art, science, technology, and personal experience, College of Music Lecturer Ryan Lindveit is no stranger to accolades accompanying his pieces. But it is safe to say that, with four calls for scores awards, “Mysterious… Read more: Ryan Lindveit’s Composition “Mysterious Butterflies” Wins Fourth Call for Scores
- Vance Thompson of UT Music Contributes to The Count Basie Orchestra Swings the Blues
Vance Thompson, senior lecturer of studio music and jazz at the University of Tennessee, contributed on the new release of the album The Count Basie Orchestra Swings the Blues. The album, led by musical director Scotty Barnhart, continues the tradition of… Read more: Vance Thompson of UT Music Contributes to The Count Basie Orchestra Swings the Blues - Percussive Arts Society to Present UT Percussion Festival
- Denin Slage-Koch of UT Music Featured in Jazz Education Network’s Young Composer Showcase
