LSU School of Music

07/01/2026

A new chapter, a familiar home.

The LSU School of Music is excited to welcome Tyler Bourque as Instructor of Clarinet. An LSU alumnus, accomplished performer, and principal clarinet of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Tyler returns to LSU ready to inspire and guide the next generation of musicians.

As Tyler puts it: he’s “excited to be home.”

Read more:

The LSU School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Bourque as part-time Instructor of Clarinet, joining the faculty for the 2026–2027 school year.

06/30/2026

Congratulations to the TEN LSU Composers that were recently selected as part of the field of winners for this year’s Batture Contemporary Festival () — which includes three current students, three faculty members, and four alumni.

Their work will be featured as part of an annual Louisiana-based festival celebrating contemporary music, bold ideas, and the composers shaping what comes next.

We’re so proud to see LSU's composers represented so strongly and shaping the future of contemporary music in both Louisiana and the world! 🎶💜💛

06/18/2026

Welcome to LSU, Dr. Courtney Crouse! 💜💛

The LSU School of Music is thrilled to welcome Dr. Crouse as Associate Professor and the Janice Harvey Pellar Endowed Chair of Voice.

A mezzo-soprano, voice teacher, researcher, and arts entrepreneur, Dr. Crouse brings a bold, interdisciplinary vision to LSU—bridging performance, vocal pedagogy, neuroscience, creativity, and artistic growth.

We’re excited for the artistry and innovation she will bring to our students and community.

Read the full story here:

The LSU School of Music is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Courtney Crouse as Associate Professor and the Janice Harvey Pellow Endowed Chair of Voice.

06/16/2026

We’re getting closer! The final vision of the recital hall renovation is starting to take shape! Recent updates show exciting progress throughout the space as we prepare to welcome audiences back in early September.

05/28/2026

Help us as we welcome our newest faculty member, Dr. Gregory Smith!

An accomplished pianist, collaborator, educator, and advocate for contemporary music, Dr. Smith joins LSU as Professional-in-Residence in Collaborative Piano. His work spans vocal and instrumental repertoire, opera, chamber music, new music, and national/international festival stages and we’re thrilled for the artistry and collaborative spirit he’ll bring to our students and community.

Welcome to Baton Rouge, Dr. Smith!

05/27/2026

LSU’s flagship research campuses collectively surpassed $600 million in annual research activity, reaching $601 million in FY 2024–2025. This achievement marks the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking research growth across LSU’s flagship enterprise.

Read the full story at the link: https://www.lsu.edu/researchmomentum/index.php

05/20/2026

Get the full story on John Madere's appointment as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies here:

The LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts is pleased to announce that Dr. John Madere will join the School of Music faculty this August as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies.

05/19/2026

The LSU School of Music is proud to announce that Dr. John Madere has been named Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies & Bass.

A Louisiana native and LSU alumnus, Dr. Madere brings nearly two decades of professional experience as a bassist, educator, composer, and recording artist. Since 2007, he has served as principal bassist with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra while maintaining an active career in jazz performance and education.

We are excited for the artistry, mentorship, and deep Louisiana roots he will bring to our students and ensembles.

Welcome to the full-time faculty, Dr. Madere!

05/19/2026

A round of applause for Dr. Blake Howe 👏

Dr. Howe has been recognized with the 2026 LSU Foundation Distinguished Graduate Faculty Teaching Award, celebrating excellence in graduate teaching and mentorship at LSU.

We’re proud to see the LSU School of Music represented among this year’s university-wide faculty honorees. Congratulations, Dr. Howe!

05/15/2026

There are some moments that say more than words ever could.

As our graduates joined together in singing the alma mater, we were reminded of everything this day represents: years of dedication, creativity, collaboration, growth, and the courage to pursue a life in the arts.

To the newest graduates of the LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts: congratulations. We are proud of all you have accomplished, and we cannot wait to see the stages, classrooms, studios, communities, and stories you will shape next.

Forever LSU. Forever CMDA. 💜💛