UA Little Rock Music

Dr. Naoki Hakutani, Professor of Piano, serves this summer on the faculty for the Faulkner Chamber Music Festival. The festival boasts a distinguished faculty of professional classical musicians who work with students in small group settings. The intensive environment created by the faculty challenges and inspires students. Over the years, more than 415 students have studied and performed under the direction of dozens of faculty members.

Student Spotlight: UALR Music Education student Avery Litton 🎶

Meet Avery from UALR! She will be one of our undergraduate conductors in the Conducting Symposium next week.

Student Spotlight: UALR Music Education student Analise Brewer 🎶

Meet Analise Brewer! She serves on the ACDA Arkansas Board as our Student Activities Chair and will be one of the student conductors joining us in the Conducting Symposium. Analise says "I am looking forward to learning from the season professionals and creating new relationships with mentors, I am also looking forward to the sessions at the ACDA Conference and taking information from them to help expand my knowledge and skills."

Dr. Lorissa Mason, Director of Choral Activities at UA Little Rock, spent a week conducting a residency in Austria, performing music by Marianna Martines. Singers from combined choirs also performed works by Haydn and Mozart. (June 2026)

Go Georgia! 🎶

The energy of this production comes from this talented group of ensemble members. We’re proud to introduce another one to you today. Step into the mystery, music, and majesty of Anastasia The Musical! Join us June 11–21, 2026 at the historic Royal Theatre in downtown Benton for a sweeping adventure from the Russian Empire to Paris, filled with unforgettable songs, stunning costumes, and a story of hope, courage, and discovery. Proudly sponsored by Stilwell Insurance & Financial Services and Roberson & Associates Insurance. Tickets available here: https://our.show/the-royal-theatre/anastasia

Congratulations to UA Little Rock vocal music education students Avery Litton and Analise Brewer on being selected to participate as student conductors in the ACDA-AR Conducting Symposium this summer!

Introducing the participant cohort for the 2026 ACDA-AR Undergraduate Conducting Symposium! These six exceptional student conductors will spend time at the summer conference engaging in masterclasses, score study sessions, and live podium time, with our guest clinician Dr. Gabe Lewis O’Connor. Congratulations to these rising leaders on their outstanding growth and artistry, and to their university mentors who have helped prepare them as tomorrow’s music educators. 🎼

🥁 UA Little Rock Percussion Day is just TWO weeks away!

Arkansas high school percussionists: join us for a FREE day of clinics, a masterclass, performances by 3 high school ensembles, and giveaways from top percussion brands.

Led by Dr. Justin Bunting, with guest artist Dr. Lamon Lawhorn (Virginia State University, President-elect of the Percussive Arts Society).

🎤 The day wraps up at 4 PM with the UA Little Rock Spring Percussion Concert!

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/66AebSrp4ChAoK8x7

Congrats to the Little Rock Pep Band and Dance Team for being incredible fans and representatives of Little Rock Trojans men's and women's basketball at the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament in Evansville, IN. We'll see you next season in the United Athletic Conference!

Come say hello to us at the All State Music Conference in Hot Springs! 🎶

Dr. Mason visited Searcy High School today to work with the orchestra in preparation for their holiday concerts. Director of Orchestras at Searcy HS, Elijah Jennings, is a graduate of UALR’s Music Education program. Go Trojans! 🎶