SFA School of Music

Congratulations to the 2026 TMTA winners: Sangeun Kang - 1st Place 🥇 (Organ) and Haeun Kang - 2nd Place 🥈(Piano). We are proud of your dedication and representation of the SFA School of Music! 🎶

Dr. Herbert Midgley II has built a body of work that reflects consistency, range, and a long-standing commitment to creating.

Since 1999, he has been teaching music at SFA while maintaining an active creative practice across composition, film, and music technology. His work spans everything from symphonies and chamber music to electronic projects, rock albums, and a monthly series of classical guitar studies shared with a broader audience.

He also writes, directs, edits, and scores his own films, with projects that have been shared through festivals and online platforms.

If you’ve been around SFA or the Nacogdoches community for any amount of time, chances are you’ve seen Dr. Midgley. He’s part of the fabric here, consistently showing up, creating, and connecting across campus and beyond.

We are proud of the depth and consistency of his creative work and the role he plays in both the university and the community.

Congratulations to Dr. Herbert Midgley II, Non-Tenure Track Representative for the Scholarly and Creative Excellence Award.

Help us congratulate Dr. Midgley on this well-deserved recognition

🎹 Please join us in welcoming Dr. Seonju Jo as our new Collaborative Pianist!
Dr. Jo brings a dynamic background as a collaborative pianist, educator, and performer. She recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at The University of Texas at Austin, where her work explored musical expression, pedagogy, and intercultural aesthetics.

Her experience includes accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs, and chamber ensembles in recitals, competitions, and auditions, and serving as a Collaborative Staff Pianist at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
We are thrilled to have her artistry, expertise, and collaborative spirit supporting our students, faculty, and performances.
👏 Welcome, Dr. Jo!

🎉 Exciting News from the SFA School of Music! 🎉
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas Nixon as Visiting Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano!
Dr. Nixon has been an integral part of SFA since 2018, serving as a collaborative pianist and most recently as coordinator for collaborative piano services. During his time here, he has partnered with faculty, guest artists, and national organizations on major projects, including the International Trombone Festival, TexiCali Trio, International Women’s Brass Conference, and the International Trumpet Guild.
Later this month, Dr. Nixon will embark on a recital tour with OperaMaya, performing in Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Leona Vicario, Mexico. 🌎🎶
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Nixon on this well-deserved appointment! 👏

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Holcomb to our faculty as Visiting Assistant Professor of Composition.
Dr. Holcomb recently earned his Ph.D. in Composition from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) and brings a dynamic blend of creative achievement and teaching experience to our composition program. He has taught music theory, composition, orchestration, and ear training at institutions including Hofstra University and the Eastman School of Music.
An award-winning composer, Dr. Holcomb has received honors from organizations such as ASCAP and The American Prize, with performances and premieres across the country.
👏 Join us in giving Dr. Holcomb a warm welcome!

Big recognition for SFA alumna Asuka Kakitani. 👏

Kakitani, who completed her Master of Music in Composition at SFA in Fall 2024, has been named one of the 2026 McKnight Composer Fellowship awardees through the American Composers Forum — a highly prestigious honor in the field of composition.

We love seeing Lumberjacks making their mark in the arts world, and this is a big one.

Join us in congratulating Asuka on this incredible achievement, and read more about the award at the link below. 🎶

https://composersforum.org/announcing-our-2026-mcknight-composer-fellowship-awardees