Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Music is to provide high-quality instruction in music performance and music education that empowers a diverse student body to achieve maximum competence as music professionals in a global society.
Program Emphasis Areas
Explore our majors and minors in music education, performance, and technology.

Music, B.A.
Concentration in Piano or Vocal Performance with required recitals and juries.

Music Education, B.A.
Prepares students for K-12 teacher certification with performance and pedagogy training.

Music Technology Minor
Courses in production, music software, and audio engineering with a required internship.

Vocal or Piano Minor
Private instruction, theory, and ensemble participation in piano or vocal performance.

Music Industry Minor
Combines business, marketing, and management skills for careers in the music business.
Program Requirements
Music majors must complete a comprehensive curriculum including theory, aural skills, history, and performance. Participation in ensembles, juries, and seminars is mandatory. Students are expected to perform sophomore, junior, and senior recitals and must pass written and piano proficiency exams.
Music Education majors take additional coursework in K-12 pedagogy and must pass PRAXIS I and II exams. All students are required to participate in the Concert Choir or instrumental ensembles unless formally excused.
Department Life
Celebrating the rhythm of discovery, creativity, and performance within the vibrant community of the Department of Music. From rehearsals to recitals, explore the sounds and stories that shape our students’ musical journey.







Course Requirements
The Department of Music offers a variety of courses to develop performance skills, theoretical understanding, and educational methods. Majors and minors follow a structured path combining practice and pedagogy.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: MUSIC CORE
Requirements
The Music major consists of 70 semester hours, of which 30 semester hours are core courses required of all students. In addition, the student must complete 20 semester hours of studio instruction in piano or voice as listed in the sequence of courses in this section. All Music and Music Education majors must participate in the Concert Choir and/or other musical ensembles unless excused by the Department Chair. All students must take the Sophomore Written and Piano Proficiency Examinations. Piano Music Majors must complete the Sophomore Piano Major Proficiency Examination.
Junior and Senior Music majors are required to present a recital in their performance emphasis. The minimum length for recitals is 30 minutes for the Junior Recital and 60 minutes for the Senior Recital. Each recital must be performed entirely from memory. The Senior Thesis and its defense must be completed and passed before the student is permitted to present the senior recital.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
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CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
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CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: TWO SEMESTER HOURS
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CREDIT: TWO SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: FOUR SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: FOUR SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: FOUR SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: FOUR SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: MUSIC EDUCATION
Students who graduate from Tougaloo College with a bachelor's degree in Music Education will be prepared to teach elementary and secondary music students. Students will have acquired an understanding of the role of music in the school curriculum and will be prepared to develop techniques and strategies for teaching.
Additional Music Courses for Music Education Majors
CREDIT: ONE SEMESTER HOUR
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Education Courses for Music Education Majors
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Course Descriptions: Piano Minor
Suggested Course Sequence for Music Piano Minors
Freshman Year - Fall Semester
- MUS 100 - Tougaloo College Concert Choir (1 credit)
- MUS 101 - Introduction to Music (3 credits)
- MUS 113 - Theory I - Basic Musicianship (3 credits)
- MUS 115 - Piano (2 credits)
- MUS 117 - Voice (2 credits)
Freshman Year - Spring Semester
- MUS 100 - Tougaloo College Concert Choir (1 credit)
- MUS 114 - Theory II - Basic Musicianship (3 credits)
- MUS 116 - Piano (2 credits)
Sophomore Year - Fall Semester
- MUS 100 - Tougaloo College Concert Choir (1 credit)
- MUS 209 - Aural Techniques (1 credit)
- MUS 213 - Theory III Advanced Harmony (3 credits)
- MUS 215 - Piano (2 credits)
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: ONE SEMESTER HOUR
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Course Descriptions: Voice Minor
Suggested Course Sequence for Music Voice Minors
Freshman Year - Fall Semester
- MUS 113 - Theory I - Basic Musicianship (3 credits)
- MUS 101 - Introduction to Music (3 credits)
- MUS 105 - Piano (1 credit)
- MUS 100 - Tougaloo College Concert Choir (1 credit)
- MUS 117 - Voice (2 credits)
Freshman Year - Spring Semester
- MUS 114 - Theory II - Basic Musicianship (3 credits)
- MUS 100 - Tougaloo College Concert Choir (1 credit)
- MUS 118 - Voice (2 credits)
- MUS 106 - Piano (1 credit)
Sophomore Year - Fall Semester
- MUS 213 - Theory III Advanced Harmony (3 credits)
- MUS 217 - Voice (2 credits)
- MUS 100 - Tougaloo College Concert Choir (1 credit)
- MUS 209 - Aural Techniques (1 credit)
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
CREDIT: ONE SEMESTER HOUR
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: MUSIC INDUSTRY
Suggested Course Sequence for Music Technology Minors
Fall Semester
- MUS 113 - Theory I - Basic Musicianship (3 credits)
- MUS 103 - Introduction to Music Technology (3 credits)
- MUS 101 - Introduction to Music (3 credits)
Spring Semester
- MUS 104 - Advanced Music Technology (3 credits)
- MUS 207 - Audio Production Principles (3 credits)
- MUS 206 - Music Management (3 credits)
Additional Requirement
- MUS 300 - Internship (3 credits)
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Course Descriptions: Music Technology
Suggested Course Sequence for Music Industry Minors
Fall Semester
- BUS 161 - Fundamentals of Business (3 credits)
- MUS 101 - Introduction to Music (3 credits)
- MUS 103 - Introduction to Music Technology (3 credits)
Spring Semester
- BUS 216 - Marketing (3 credits)
- MUS 206 - Music Management (3 credits)
- MUS 207 - Audio Production Principles (3 credits)
Additional Requirement
- MUS 300 - Internship (3 credits)
Meet Our Faculty
Our distinguished faculty members bring passion, expertise, and dedication to every classroom. Get to know the scholars and educators who will guide your academic journey in English and Modern Languages.

Jessie Primer, III, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Associate Professor of Music
(601) 977-7896
Dr. Jessie L. Primer, III is a distinguished educator, saxophonist, and bandleader committed to advancing music education. With a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Mississippi, a Master's in Music Education from Jackson State University, and a Bachelor’s in Music from Alcorn State University, Dr. Primer has dedicated over two decades to teaching and mentoring students. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Music Department and Associate Professor of Music at Tougaloo College, where he has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and fostering a passion for music among his students.
Throughout his career, Dr. Primer has been deeply involved in the academic community, contributing to numerous workshops and conferences. His notable publications, including his research on faculty perception of leadership styles and their impact on productivity, reflect his commitment to improving educational practices. He has shared his expertise at prestigious events such as the Hawaii International Conference and various New York University Faculty Network workshops, addressing topics ranging from jazz history to digital humanities.
Dr. Primer's dedication extends beyond the classroom through his involvement in securing significant grants and fellowships to support music education programs. He has successfully obtained funding from the United States Department of Education and the Entergy Corporation for initiatives like the Summer Music & Arts Camp, ensuring that students have access to enriching musical experiences.
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Jazz Educators of Mississippi, the Music Education National Conference, Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), Entertainment Director of Yuric Records, and the Board of Trustees for Jackson State University Public Radio Station.
Dr. Primer has received numerous honors and awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Department of Defense, the Jackson Musical Award, a Resolution from the City Council of Jackson, MS, and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Mississippi Jazz Foundation Leadership Award and the Tougaloo College Humanities Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Primer has also received credits on numerous albums and recordings.
Dr. Primer continues to influence the music education landscape. As an outstanding saxophonist, he has performed with renowned groups such as The Bluz Boys, B.B. King, Benjamin Wright, Cassandra Wilson, Eddie Harris, Brandy, Paul Overstreet, Sinbad, Calvin Richardson, and the Williams Brothers. He also leads a Jazz Quartet, a Jazz Quintet, Just Right, a Big Band, and the Jessie Primer Rhythm and Blues Band. Dr. Primer toured Europe and Yugoslavia for the U.S. troops stationed in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. During his several tours of Europe, he has performed as a guest soloist with the military band in London, England. Dr. Primer has also performed solo classical and jazz recitals at Alcorn State University, University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, and several high schools.
Dr. Primer's comprehensive skills, ranging from success in music programs to his leadership roles, underscore his commitment to excellence and innovation in music education.
Education

Andrea Montgomery, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Music and Music Education
(601) 977-7744
Dr. Andrea Montgomery is a committed educator with a deep passion for advancing music education. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Music and Music Education at Tougaloo College where she teaches courses in Music History, Music Literature; Music in Elementary and Secondary Education, Research and Music Bibliography; and Piano. Previously, she has served as Chair for the Department of Music and Academic Deans for the Division of Humanities and currently the School of Education, Supervision, and Instruction.
After receiving the Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from Jackson State College and Jackson State University, respectively, Dr. Montgomery earned the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Prior to completing the doctoral degree, Dr. Montgomery did further study in Musicology and Ethnomusicology at the University of Kansas (Lawrence) as a research fellow in Historical Musicology. Further study was also completed in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. As a postdoctoral pursuit, she earned the Master of Science Degree in Education Administration and Leadership from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. Dr. Montgomery has taught on all levels (Pre-K-12) at various private and public schools in the United States and the University of Reading (England). Her research interests involve curriculum development, pedagogue, instruction, and assessment. Her academic and professional work interests have afforded travel to Ghana and the French West Indies, studying music culture and music instruments for the development of a whole school’s cultural model addressing the teaching of elementary school world music and culture.
Dr. Montgomery is a member of several civic and academic organizations including the American Association of University Women, the American Musicological Society, the Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM), the Mississippi and National Associations for Music Education. Her skill sets and experiences include planning and goal setting; communications both verbal and written; mentoring and leadership development; program planning and development; and intercultural sensitivity and understanding. Dr. Montgomery continues to demonstrate her passion for fostering high standards and innovative approaches in music education.
Education

Johnny Hubbard, M.A.
Instructor of Music
(601) 977-4431
Johnny Hubbard is a devoted educator and bassist, known for his dynamic presence in the jazz and blues scene. He has collaborated with some of the most esteemed artists in the genre, including Cassandra Wilson, Dorothy Moore, Rhonda Richmond, Frank McComb, Bobby Watson, Steve Turre, and Joe Jennings. His versatility and talent are further highlighted by his appearance in the 2014 biographical drama film "Get On Up."
In addition to his performance career, Mr. Hubbard is deeply committed to music education. He served as the Interim Coordinator of Jazz Studies within Jackson State University’s Department of Music during the 2020-2021 academic year. Since January 2015, he has been an Adjunct Instructor in Jazz Education at Jackson State University. Currently, Hubbard is an Instructor of Music at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Hubbard is dedicated to pushing boundaries and maintaining high standards in the field of music education.

Terrance Evans, M.A.
Instructor of Music
(601) 977-4466
Thomas D. Lewis, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of English at Tougaloo College. Dr. Lewis is committed to engaging the tools of academia in the pursuit of linguistic and social justice. His research and teaching focuses on exploring the roles of linguistic ideologies, or beliefs about language, in shaping language use in minoritized communities in the United States. Most recently, he has worked with the Latinx community in Post-Katrina New Orleans, showing that both large scale language choice and small scale vowel realizations are shaped by linguistic ideologies that position Spanish speakers as "dangerous" or "threatening." Dr. Lewis' research shows that beliefs about languages, dialects, and accents represent beliefs about speakers, and are often used as tools to reflect and reproduce unequal power hierarchies in society. Challenging these ideologies contributes to the pursuit of justice for speakers of marginalized linguistic codes.
Education

Ann Marie McPhail, M.M.
Director of the Tougaloo College Concert Choir,
Assistant Professor of Music
(601) 977-6885