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Music

The ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Jazz Singers perform at RespectFest
The ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Jazz Singers perform at RespectFest

The mission of the Rhodes College Department of Music is to create a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative community that helps students write their own unique music stories. Every semester, over one-quarter of the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø student body joins with us to perform, compose, take classes, and gain real-world experiences that connect them directly with professionals in the field. Every story is different, and the Department of Music is committed to supporting each student’s journey through a flexible and student-centered curriculum, access to top-tier faculty, international learning opportunities, and a deep connection to the vibrant and culturally rich city of Memphis.

  • All ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø students have the opportunity to participate in private lessons and musical ensembles, regardless of their major. 
  • Our well-rounded Liberal Arts framework prepares students to become accomplished performers, composers, music scholars, and entrepreneurs.
a girl sings
orchestra member playing a brass instrument
a man plays piano on stage
a young man drums onstage
Upcoming Music Events

The Department of Music presents concerts and special events throughout the year, featuring the ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Singers, Jazz Ensemble, ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Orchestra and more.

a young woman sings on a stage
Music Department Awards

Music Department Awards are presented each year to the outstanding music major and in the areas of instrumentalists, singing, and more.

chamber trio
NASM Information

Rhodes College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. 

Related Links

Faculty & Staff

John Bass
Associate Professor of Music, Director of the Mike Curb Institute for Music
Jason Bishop
Visiting Professor of Music and Choral Director
Carole Blankenship
Professor of Music; Chair, Department of Music; Coordinator of Voice
Tom Bryant
Associate Professor of Music, Piano Coordinator
Courtenay Harter
Professor of Music, Music Theory, Music Cognition, oboe/English horn
Erika Pope
Musical Arts Coordinator
Vanessa L. Rogers
Associate Professor of Music, Music History Coordinator
Jacob Sunshine
Assistant Professor of Music, Instrumental Coordinator

Departmental News and Events

Rhodes College’s Mike Curb Institute for Music involves students in the inner workings of the music business from sound editing and video production to marketing and community engagement.
Sheila E., a Grammy and Emmy-nominated musician and percussionist, will discuss her music and career on Oct. 28 at Rhodes College as part of its Springfield Music Lecture Series.
Dr. John Bass, longtime director of ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø’ Mike Curb Institute for Music, decided to record and release some of his own songs while teaching a Songwriting in Memphis course during the Spring 2024 semester. His new album is titled Nowhere In Between.