The Northeastern State University Department of Music is a part of the College of Liberal Arts. Its mission is to provide undergraduate education leading to the Bachelor of Music Education degree (with options in Instrumental and Choral/Vocal music) and Bachelor of Arts degree (with options in Musical Arts, Music-Business, Performance and Jazz Studies & Commercial Music), and to provide coursework directed to the general student population. Through quality teaching, research and scholarly activities, service to local and professional communities, and high expectations, our dedicated faculty and staff provide a friendly learning environment where students are prepared to achieve socially responsible career and personal goals for success in a challenging global society.

The Northeastern State University Department of Music offers many opportunities for music majors and non-majors alike.

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MUSIC EVENTS

Jordan VanHemert, Faculty Recital

September 12, 2024

Saxophonist, composer, and educator Jordan VanHemert has four critically acclaimed releases to his credit, and a fifth on the way in early 2024 (featuring Terell Stafford, producer Michael Dease, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker, and Lewis Nash). Born in Korea and raised in Michigan, VanHemert makes music rooted in the jazz tradition and guided by a resolute political consciousness, illuminating issues of race and social justice. With a penchant for modern, swinging melodicism, he pays homage to his Korean roots while drawing on the blues-infused hard-bop tradition handed down to him by his mentors. VanHemert has played with the likes of John Daversa, Dmitri Matheny, Rodney Whitaker, John Webber, Geri Allen, Chris Vadala, Vince DiMartino, and Dave Eggar. He has performed at ShapeShifter Lab, The Painted Bride, The Blue Llama, Edgefest, Elkhart Jazz Festival, the Korean Cultural Foundation of Philadelphia, and many more. Holding a DMA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MM from the University of Michigan, he has conducted masterclasses and clinics at Ohio State University, University of Wyoming, Central Michigan University, and a host of other institutions. He is currently planning a Korean album release tour in June 2024. An integral part of VanHemert’s mission is to advocate for API and BIPOC representation through his art, in part by sharing Korean culture, perspectives, and storytelling through music. He has co-chaired a number of diversity committees including the North American Saxophone Alliance Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility.

Jordan VanHemert is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician, Selmer Paris Saxophones Performing Artist, and KeyLeaves endorsing artist. He is the Director of Jazz Studies at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, and previously at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music in Georgia. He has earned awards for his exemplary teaching and his commitment to students in and outside the classroom.

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Student Mixed Recital

September 13, 2024

Student Mixed Recitals offer NSU music students the opportunity to perform for their peers, teachers, and the general public.

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Adam Larson Trio

September 20, 2024

Adam Larson (b. 1990) is an American saxophonist, composer, educator, and author currently residing in the Kansas City area.
Larson holds BM and MM degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was a part of the vibrant NYC jazz scene for eleven years before relocating in 2019. While a resident of the KC-Metro, Larson has held positions at UMKC Conservatory, University of Kansas, and The Kansas City Art Institute. Larson currently teaches Entrepreneurship at KCAI.
Larson continues to perform in NYC with some of the greatest musicians in the genre. As a guest artist, Larson has been invited to present masterclasses on music business, improvisation, and composition at more than one hundred universities across the globe.
Adam has recorded eight albums as a leader and maintains an active touring and clinician schedule, playing and presenting his original music and educational materials.
$10 for adults/$5 for students and seniors

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