Hampton University Department of Music

07/09/2026

Hampton University alumnus Langston Jackson '25 is inspiring the next generation as a music teacher, worship leader, choir director, composer, arranger, vocalist, and pianist.

This fall, he'll continue his journey by pursuing a Master of Arts in Music with a concentration in Choral Conducting at Morgan State University.

Congratulations, Langston—we're proud to see you carrying Hampton's legacy of excellence wherever the music leads. 🌊💙

06/25/2026

We are very excited to announce that Dr. Lori Hicks will join our faculty as our new Associate Professor of Voice!

Dr. Lori Celeste Hicks is a multifaceted artist-scholar whose career spans performance, teaching, research, and arts leadership. An acclaimed classical singer, composer, arranger, vocal pedagogue, opera director, clinician, and entrepreneur, she has dedicated her career to advancing excellence in vocal performance while expanding access to healthy, sustainable singing across diverse musical traditions.

At Hampton University and beyound, Dr. Hicks brings a deep commitment to artistic excellence, student mentorship, innovative pedagogy, and service, preparing the next generation of singers to thrive both on the stage and beyond.

As the founder and CEO of LCH Studios, Dr. Hicks leads innovative vocal training initiatives that serve singers of all genres and backgrounds. Her distinguished academic career includes leadership appointments as Director of Opera at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Chair of Performing Arts at Kentucky State University, as well as faculty positions at the University of Dayton, Central State University, and Claflin University.

Dr. Hicks’s scholarship and creative work center on the intersections of Black artistry, vocal pedagogy, and performance practice. Her research and public engagement have inspired numerous educational initiatives, including From the Black Church to the Opera Stage, an interactive lecture series exploring the connections between gospel and classical traditions; Music of My Voice, a recital series celebrating the Black experience through classical song; , a gospel-based vocal wellness program; Highest Praise Voice Care, a voice-care intensive designed for gospel singers; and the Black Women Composers Summit, a national virtual conference dedicated to elevating the music and legacy of Black women composers.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Hicks earned the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Kentucky State University, the Master of Music degree from Bowling Green State University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan. She is also the author of Affirmations for Singers, a motivational resource that combines practical encouragement with daily affirmations to foster vocal confidence, artistic resilience, and personal growth.

03/10/2026

12/05/2025

11/13/2025

11/05/2025

Students interested in the Paris Performance Experience should attend the information on 11/6 in the Student Center Cyber lounge.

Led by Dr. Tiffany Jackson

Website-
https://tpva.yxie.fr/

11/04/2025

The Hampton University Department of Music and Performing Arts is proud to announce the recent appointment of Dr. Lia Snead as Director of Wind Studies.

Dr. Lia Snead is a dedicated music educator, conductor, and performer whose teaching career reflects her commitment to musical excellence and student development. She recently accepted the position of Director of Wind Studies at Hampton University, where she will lead the university’s instrumental music initiatives. At Hampton University, Dr. Snead will work to continue to expand the program’s visibility, and inspire the next generation of music educators and performers.
A native of Queens, New York, Dr. Snead earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Georgia Southern University (formerly Armstrong Atlantic State University). She continued her studies at Northern Illinois University, where she completed a Master of Music with an emphasis in Wind Conducting under the mentorship of Dr. Ronnie Wooten. She later earned her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Conducting from the University of South Carolina, studying with Dr. Cormac Cannon.
Before joining Hampton University, Dr. Snead served as Director of Bands at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. During her tenure, the Wartburg Wind Ensemble performed throughout the United States and internationally in Japan, gaining acclaim for their artistry and musicality. Her collegiate experience builds on a strong foundation of public-school teaching, including successful leadership roles at Robert W. Groves High School, Windsor Forest High School, and Richmond Hill High School, programs that achieved consistent superior ratings under her direction.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Snead is active nationally as a clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, and performer. She has performed with the Savannah Wind Symphony, where she also served on the Board of Directors. Her professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Band Association (NBA), Minority Band Directors National Association (MBDNA), Association of Black Women Band Directors (ABWBD), and she is a proud life member of Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority.
Dr. Snead is married to her college sweetheart, Mr. Derrick Snead. Mr. Snead is the Director of Bands at Booker T. Washington High School and a PhD candidate at the University of South Carolina. Together, they share a beloved Peekapoo named Nina Simone.

10/16/2025

The Hampton University Department of Music and Performing Arts is excited to announce the performance of The Color Purple: The Musical!