Welcome to the Music Department
The Department of Music is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities in music education, performance, and technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to assume leadership roles in music education, the music industry, and supporting fields.
The Department of Music offers courses and performance opportunities which broaden the musical education in the liberal arts tradition and provide artistic enrichment for students, faculty, the community, state and nation.
- Department
- Department of Music
- Parent College
- College of Liberal Arts
- Accreditation
- NASM & CAEP
- Building
- F.D. Hall Music Center
- Ensembles
- Over 20
- Phone
- (601) 979-2141
- jsumusic@jsums.org
Dually accredited by NASM and CAEP
Jackson State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The NASM national office is at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, Virginia 20190-5248 and can be reached by phone at (703) 437-0700.
Jackson State University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The CAEP national office is at 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 and can be reached by phone at (202) 223-0077.
The Sonic Boom of the South
The Jackson State University Department of Music is perhaps best known for the Sonic Boom of the South. This high-energy show-stopping marching band is legendary throughout the United States and abroad, and has been chosen to perform for nationally televised awards programs and professional football games. However, the music program is about that, and much more.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
JSU Department of MusicThe Department of Music by the numbers
20+
Music Ensembles
4
NASM Accredited Programs
2
National Accreditations
3
Greek Letter Music Orgs
Four NASM-accredited programs
The program has produced internationally renowned performers, music educators, and music producers who have matriculated through our accredited programs:
JSU Music's HBCU firsts & distinctions
One of the only African music and dance programs at an HBCU nationally.
The only music department at an HBCU in the state of Mississippi with a fully functional orchestra and string ensemble.
Accredited music technology program with a state-of-the-art recording studio and music technology lab.
In the state of Mississippi, the only HBCU music department with an opera/musical theater workshop.
Home to one of the oldest Jazz emphasis programs at an HBCU in the nation.
The Jackson State University Department of Music prepares the 21st Century musician to continue their educational endeavors or enter the competitive field of professional music.
Over 20 music ensembles
Ensembles master and perform Western classical, jazz, gospel, and world music genres throughout the Southern region:
Brass Ensembles
Vocal Jazz Combos
Instrumental Jazz Combos
Orchestra
Opera Workshop
Choirs
Symphonic Bands
African Music & Dance
Featured faculty
Faculty in the area are acclaimed and published composers, authors, performers, and grantees from numerous internal and external funders:
Festivals & institutes
International Greek letter music organizations
The department is home to chapters of three international music service and professional Greek letter organizations:
Tau Beta Sigma
Sigma Alpha Iota
Phi Mu Alpha
Handbooks, forms & programs
Ready to join?
We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals. For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-2141.
Contact the Department of Music
F.D. Hall Music Center
Jackson State University
JSU Box 17055
Jackson, MS 39217-0155