Augusta University Department of Music

11/14/2020

11/13/2020

Box

Here is the link to the program for this evening's recital: https://augustauniversity.box.com/s/qimimclcml3jdklqpu3o91ckdj9jgbb4

11/05/2020

Yesterday AU music students and faculty recorded the 2020 Holiday Gala Concert. Here are some pictures from our busy recording day!

10/28/2020

Congratulations to the Wind Ensemble on a great Livestream performance last night. It was strange to play to an empty hall, but Baby Yoda was there cheering them on!

10/23/2020

Faculty Spotlight Friday!

Meet April Brumfield, instructor of Music Industry Studies:

"I'm so excited to be teaching online courses in the Music Industry! My classes are 100% online so my students have the opportunity to learn from home at their own pace! My courses in Music Industry appeal to a cross-section of students regardless of what one's career focus may be, and as a result, I have a variety of majors in my classes, including Cybersecurity, Communications, Accounting and Music students. This pandemic has changed the 'live' performance landscape of the music industry business, but as a result, new technology and digital opportunities abound, and musicians are finding new ways every day to hone their craft. As a professional artist manager, I have had to adapt to this new normal for the artists that I represent, and have been focusing on new ventures that don't involve concert touring, such as online publishing and licensing, and recording projects. I look forward to working with more students in the future and helping them be at the top of their game!"

April Brumfield is Director of Brumfield & Associates Music, an agency that manages the careers and touring of a select group of artists including world-renowned jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon.

She has over twenty-five years of experience in artist management, programming, fundraising and special events management, and holds a Masters degree in Arts Administration from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She has worked with some of the most celebrated artists in classical and jazz music, including Jean-Pierre Rampal, Alfred Brendel, the Juilliard String Quartet, Fred Hersch, Paul Winter, and The Amadeus Trio, among others.

Ms. Brumfield has served in higher education since 2001, as an Associate Professor, and as the Director of Music Industry Studies at Eastern Kentucky University (from 2001-2015). While there, she created a joint degree program in Music Marketing in the College of Business Administration, and served as Faculty Advisor for both programs. She was also associate chair of the department in marketing and promotion.

Currently she is adjunct Professor at Augusta University, where she is also helping to create a certificate program in Music Industry Studies. She teaches online courses in Music Copyright, Licensing & Publishing, Careers in Music Business and Booking and Touring Management.

April is a Kentucky Peer Advisory Consultant for the Kentucky Arts Council and presents yearly professional development workshops for Kentucky Artists. She also volunteers as President of the Friends of Madison Community Band and is an active member of Jazz Educator’s Network, where she was a guest Presenter at the annual members’ conference in 2012 and 2016.
She is an accomplished trumpet player and is a former member of the McDonald’s All-American High School, (which is where she met her husband). Her passions include bowling, gardening, traveling and of course the music business.

10/22/2020

Ontario Williams - Soliloquy from Carousel BroadwayWorld's Next on Stage

Ontario Williams has advanced in the Broadway competition. He needs more votes...voting ends today. Vote now!

Click here to vote for Ontario: https://www.broadwayworld.com/nextonstage/ontario-williams

https://jagwire.augusta.edu/music-education-student-advances-in-broadway-competition-needs-more-votes/

Broadway's Next on Stage - Ontario Williams sings Soliloquy from Carousel

10/21/2020

Augusta Gives Back To The Future!

AU piano faculty member, Dr. Martin David Jones, wrote and digitally produced all of the music for this video. Check it out!

https://youtu.be/j40I4y9DV3s

Concept: Andrew Everett Produced by: Tim Johnson, Andrew Everett, Ashley White Associate Producer: Taylor Lamb Written by: Tim Johnson and Andrew Everett Dir...

10/20/2020

Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Support our talented students!

Your gift to the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences supports the heart of the liberal arts mission of Augusta University.

10/19/2020

Department of Music | Augusta University

Check out the Department of Music’s updated website!

Click below to see the new and improved site and learn more about all of the programs we have to offer at Augusta University.

https://www.augusta.edu/pamplin/music/

Let's make something great together! Learn more about the Department of Music at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia. We offer dynamic programs led by experienced music professionals with the added benefit of small class sizes and individual attention.

10/16/2020

Faculty Spotlight Friday

Meet one of our newest faculty members, Stephen Montgomery, music therapy instructor:

“It is an honor to join the AU Music Faculty. I want to thank Dr. Angela Morgan and the students for their interest in music therapy and working with me to create a course that is being offered for the first time in the history of the program. I’m thrilled that new and exciting things continue to happen in the department despite all of the challenges in recent times. Let’s continue to inspire ourselves and others for the future!”

Stephen Montgomery is an Augusta native who has been making music since a young age. He has been recognized during all stages of his music studies for his outstanding performance and commitment to the art of music. Mr. Montgomery earned his Bachelor of Music (Percussion Performance) from Stetson University in Deland, FL., where he studied under Dr. David Coash and was the manager of the Stetson University Symphony Orchestra. After completing his studies, Mr. Montgomery taught percussion privately in central Florida and also instructed high school marching percussion ensembles in Daytona and St. Augustine. He was also the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the band IS which he co-founded. This group toured in Florida playing clubs from St. Augustine to Miami and recorded their original music in various studios. Later, Mr. Montgomery moved back to Augusta, GA where he began to work for Portman’s Music. There he was head of the percussion department, the percussion instructor of the Southeast Music Academy, and was also the Director of the Southeast Music Academy.

In 2010, Mr. Montgomery decided to return to school for graduate studies. After many years of teaching privately, he began researching schools to attend and discovered the discipline of music therapy. Mr. Montgomery discovered a graduate level music therapy program at Georgia College & State University and so he began the process to complete the equivalency and graduate programs. There he studied under Dr. Douglas Keith and Dr. Chesley Mercado and earned a Master of Music Therapy degree. During his time there, he was given the graduate clinical award and was also inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

Mr. Montgomery began his career at the Georgia (then GRU) Cancer Center and then moved to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center where he had completed his music therapy internship. He has been at the VA since 2013 and works with veterans that have various backgrounds and needs. The VA often recognizes his efforts and Mr. Montgomery also works diligently to connect the veterans and the community together through music. He has created partnerships with the Augusta Symphony and Augusta University in hopes to not only increase the level of care veterans receive through the VA but to advocate for his beloved profession.

10/15/2020

Music education student needs your votes for Broadway competition

Vote for Ontario!!!!

https://jagwire.augusta.edu/music-education-student-needs-your-votes-for-broadway-competition/

While the Broadway stages will remain closed until at least next summer, one Augusta University student is keeping the music going as he attempts to make it to the top in an online singing competition.

10/12/2020

On the set! Augusta University music students help film a new recruiting video for the department of music.

10/09/2020

Faculty Spotlight Friday!

Meet new faculty member, Leah Murthy, instructor of music education:

“It has been a joy to join the AU music department faculty in supporting our talented and hardworking music students this fall. I am so proud of how well everyone has adapted to these new circumstances. It is not an easy time to be a musician or a college student, but the ways you have found to adapt and transform past practices to new technologies inspire me daily. Keep up the wonderful musicianship and scholarship my friends!”

Leah Murthy is a choral conductor and music educator who endeavors to create positive change in the lives of musicians and audiences through music. She is currently a doctoral candidate in music education at Boston University. Leah holds a Master of Music Education degree from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Massachusetts. She conducts the Minuet and Prelude levels of the National Children’s Chorus Washington D.C. chapter. In addition, Leah has 12 years of experience teaching music in the public schools from Kindergarten to 12th grade.

She has taught and performed as a vocalist and organist around the world and across the country, in Europe, Asia, Africa and six states. Leah recently presented a webinar on choral methods for the National Association for Music Education’s NAfME Academy, an online professional development resource for educators across the country. Engagements to present to the Northeastern Regional NAfME Conference and the Maryland Music Educators Association have allowed her the opportunity to further spread the word about her research into props in choral rehearsal. She has had articles published in national professional journals, such as the featured article “Affordable Music and Movement Props” in The Chorister and “Getting the Choir Back on Track” in The American Organist and others. She is also a professional guest blogger for Bear Paw Creek, a prominent music props company.

10/02/2020

Faculty Spotlight Friday!

Meet our newest faculty member, Johnnie Felder:

“It is such a pleasure to join the AU Faculty! I’m also excited to teach voice and direct the choral ensembles! To the students: keep learning, growing, and making your mark in the world. I enjoy working with each of you!”

Johnnie Felder is a voice instructor and the interim director of choral ensembles at Augusta University. A native of Vance, South Carolina, Mr. Felder holds bachelor and graduate music degrees from Benedict College and the University of South Carolina. He has also undergone extensive vocal training in the opera studio of the American Institute of Musical Studies (Graz, Austria) and at the Varna International Music Academy (Varna, Bulgaria). He has been featured in several leading bel canto and classic opera roles such as Beppe (Rita), Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore), Tamino (Die Zauberflote), Belfiore (La Finta Giardinera), and as the Preacher in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. He is currently a resident artist with Opera Carolina in Charlotte, NC.

Mr. Felder will complete the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Performance from the University of South Carolina in 2020. His academic research encapsulates underperformed art songs of the African Diaspora and by African American composers.

09/18/2020

Augusta University Department of Music

09/14/2020

Augusta University Department of Music's cover photo

08/25/2020

NYO Jazz Performs Wycliffe Gordon’s “We’re Still Here” with Artistic Director Sean Jones

Augusta University’s director of Jazz Studies, Wycliffe Gordon, worked with the students of "NYO Jazz" this summer. Every summer this group rehearses and performs a concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City and then goes on tour to some of the world’s great music capitals. However, this summer was a virtual experience for the students which culminated in projects such as this.

Watch and listen as Wycliffe Gordon and the students from the NYO Jazz perform his original composition “We’re Still Here / He’s Alright.” https://youtu.be/qLHuPnltphA

Watch Artistic Director Sean Jones lead NYO Jazz 2020 participants, alumni of the program, and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon in a virtual performance of Gordon’...

08/14/2020

Courtney Bartlett, Soprano
Dr. Louis Playford, Piano
Jr. recital

08/14/2020

Join us here at 7pm for Courtney Bartlett’s Jr. Recital!

Courtney Bartlett, soprano
Dr Louis Playford, piano

07/24/2020

Wycliffe Gordon, director of jazz studies at Augusta University, discusses the challenges musicians face in 2020

Check out this interview with Director of Jazz Studies, Wycliffe Gordon: https://jagwire.augusta.edu/wycliffe-gordon-director-of-jazz-studies-at-augusta-university-discusses-the-challenges-musicians-face-in-2020/

Wycliffe Gordon, world-renowned trombonist and the director of jazz studies at Augusta University, said the coronavirus pandemic has given him the opportunity to practice what he preaches to his students about being prepared for an unpredictable life as a musician.

07/22/2020

Fall 2020 Music Industry Study courses

Check out what April Brumfield has to say about her upcoming classes at AU this fall!

07/21/2020

MUSI 2600 and MUSI 2650 are being offered this fall!

07/21/2020

Check out these two great courses that we're offering in the fall!

MUSI 2600
Our Introduction to Music Industry course sets the stage for learning about how the music business comes to life and who the major players are! Whether you are the songwriter, performer, manager, publisher, club owner, recording engineer or symphony orchestra conductor, find out where you fit into the music business system and how this multi-billion industry affects you!

MUSI 2650
Looking to navigate your way through the maze of the music business system? This Careers in the Music Industry course will open your eyes to the limitless possibilities available within the music industry. Find out how much money the tour manager for Taylor Swift makes and how much the star on Broadway brings home at the end of week of performances in The Lion King. You’ll learn what career paths are available what you need to do to achieve your dream job.

Enroll soon.......classes begin on August 10th!

07/15/2020

We can't wait to see everyone again.....just remember to wear your mask!

07/15/2020

Remember to wear your mask!

06/18/2020

Trio Solisti: Beethoven Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 "Archduke" - First movement

Trio Solisti: Beethoven Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 "Archduke" - First movement

Trio Solisti plays the Beethoven Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 "Archduke" - First Movement Maria Bachmann, violin Alexis Pia Gerlach, cello Adam Neiman,...

06/08/2020

Augusta University is making music and competing nationally despite COVID-19

We're so proud of our student, Ontario Williams!

Despite this year's challenges, music education senior Ontario Williams received first place in both music theater and the Hall Johnson spiritual category in this year’s SERNATS auditions and will advance to the national semifinals this month.

06/04/2020

Augusta University Music Conservatory

We are accepting new students for private music lessons! The Augusta University Music Conservatory offers private lessons for all ages and skill levels for piano, guitar, voice, band instruments, and orchestra instruments. Visit www.augusta.edu/conservatory/privatelessons for more information or contact us at [email protected] or 706-731-7971. Lessons are currently taking place remotely using platforms such as zoom, facetime, and skype.

03/27/2020

Augusta University Music Conservatory

Need something to do at home?

The Augusta University Music Conservatory is offering online private music lessons for guitar, piano, voice, band instruments, and string instruments. Teachers use platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype to meet with their students.

Visit www.augusta.edu/conservatory/privatelessons for more information. To request private lessons, go to www.augusta.edu/conservatory and click "private lessons" and then "request private lessons." Email or call us if you have any questions.

03/05/2020

Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society

02/28/2020

Monday, February 24, 2020

Monday, February 24, 2020

02/27/2020

Fine Arts Renovation Ribbon Cutting 2.24.20

Check out some of the highlights from the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Monday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ockz_PZJ3Pg&feature=youtu.be

The Department of Music at Augusta University proudly celebrated the completion of the $3.5 million renovation of the Fine Arts Center with a ribbon-cutting ...