UNF School of Music

06/02/2026

🎶 Join us this summer for an inspiring week of music-making at the UNF Summer Choral Arts Week! 🎶

From July 8–11, 2026, singers, conductors, students, educators, and community members are invited to come together for a transformative choral experience at the UNF Fine Arts Center. Led by Artistic Director Dr. Cara Tasher and guest clinician Dr. Joey Martin, participants will learn, collaborate, and perform in a welcoming environment designed to foster artistic growth and meaningful connections. The program features three unique tracks: Student Vocal Artists, Conducting Fellows, and Community Vocal Artists.

Whether you’re looking to refine your vocal skills, develop as a conductor, or simply share your love of choral music with others, Summer Choral Arts Week offers an unforgettable opportunity to grow alongside fellow music-makers.

Learn more and register: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/summer-choral-arts-week.html

05/25/2026

Join the UNF School of Music for the Sound Before Symbols Workshop, a three day immersive experience exploring a holistic, creativity first approach to music instruction led by Dr. Timothy J. Groulx, Professor of Music Education.

Designed for music educators and future educators alike, this hands-on workshop emphasizes musical understanding, improvisation, composition, and expression before notation, giving teachers practical tools they can immediately bring into the classroom.

📍 UNF School of Music
📅 June 23–25, 2026
⏰ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with an hour lunch

Workshop registration is $275 and includes instructional materials to use with your students.

Special rates are available for:
• Participants who attended the January workshop at FMEA
• Florida music education majors who graduated within the last year or will graduate by May 2027

To inquire about special rates or reserve your spot, email [email protected].

Space is limited to ensure meaningful engagement in practice-teaching activities. Registration is first come, first served.

Learn more and RSVP: unf.edu/coas/music/Sound-Before-Symbols-Workshop.html

05/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Julie Myung Ok Song to the UNF School of Music as our official Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Education! 🎵

An accomplished educator, conductor, and researcher, Dr. Song has taught at universities in both the United States and South Korea and brings extensive experience in choral music, vocal pedagogy, and music education.

Her research and teaching center around vocal health, music education philosophy, and fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments. In addition to teaching future music educators at UNF, she remains deeply involved in community music through conducting and performance work throughout Jacksonville.

We are excited for our students to learn from Dr. Song’s knowledge, artistry, and passion for music education. Welcome to UNF! 🎶

05/21/2026

“I am extremely grateful for all the experiences and connections I have made this semester at UNF.” - Lucas Jones ✨

We are proud to highlight junior flutist Lucas Jones for an incredible semester of musical achievement, leadership, and community impact at the UNF School of Music.

This year, Lucas earned 1st Place in FIVE concerto and young artist competitions, including:
🎶 Florida Flute Association College Young Artist Competition
🎶 Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition
🎶 Jacksonville Youth Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition
🎶 UNF Concerto Competition
🎶 St. Augustine Orchestra Young Artist Competition

Through these accomplishments, Lucas has performed in four Florida cities and collaborated with four different ensembles, including the UNF Wind Symphony, Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, St. Augustine Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony.

Beyond performance, Lucas continues to make a meaningful impact through FLUTES4KIDS, the nonprofit he founded to support young musicians in our community. This year alone, the organization sponsored masterclasses, hosted the Keep the Beat 5K, and helped give back more than $3,000 toward instruments, summer camps, convention fees, and music commissions for students.

Congratulations, Lucas!

05/20/2026

Please join us in congratulating Professor Lynne Arriale on being named the University of North Florida’s 2026 Distinguished Professor, the university’s highest faculty honor. 🎉

An internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, educator, and mentor, Professor Arriale has made an extraordinary impact both on stage and in the classroom. Her career includes performances around the world, award-winning recordings, and decades of dedication to her students and the jazz community.

This honor recognizes her outstanding achievements in teaching, performance, and service; including her lasting influence on generations of UNF School of Music students.

We are proud to celebrate this well deserved recognition for one of our outstanding faculty members. Congratulations, Lynne!

05/18/2026

Less than one month until the UNF School of Music Summer Music Camp! ☀️🎶

Join us June 13–18 for a week filled with music-making, masterclasses, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, electives, faculty concerts, and new friendships.

Our Summer Music Camp gives middle and high school musicians the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, supportive, and inspiring environment alongside UNF faculty and professional musicians.

We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of musicians to campus this summer! 🎺🎷🥁

Learn more and register here: https://www.unf.edu/coas/music/summer-camp.html

05/18/2026

05/14/2026

Please join us in welcoming Jack Miller as the official Area Coordinator and Instructor of Music Technology and Production at the UNF School of Music! 🎶

Jack is a drummer, producer, audio engineer, and educator whose journey began with a passion for helping others through music. A proud UNF alumnus, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jazz Performance while studying with legendary faculty and performing alongside world-class guest artists.

His professional experience spans performance, audio engineering, production, and music education, working with artists and organizations across the music industry and beyond.

We are grateful to have Jack leading and inspiring the next generation of music technology and production students at UNF. Welcome, Jack! 🎧✨

05/08/2026

Jack Petersen (1933–2026) was instrumental in founding the jazz guitar program at the University of North Florida School of Music, helping shape generations of musicians through his artistry, mentorship, and dedication to jazz education.

We’re proud to share that Jack has been selected as the 2026 inductee into the Jacksonville Jazz Hall of Fame. His influence continues to be felt throughout Jacksonville’s jazz community and far beyond through the many students and performers he inspired over the years.

We also want to recognize Lisa Kelly for creating a beautiful tribute honoring Jack and for sharing the announcement of this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to Jack Petersen on this incredible honor and lasting legacy. 💙🎶