Alongside traditional music courses, we encourage open-minded debate and a commitment to all types of music. Our alumni go on to become award-winning musicians, industry professionals, and educators. Come join our vibrant and dynamic community of talented and innovative students and faculty!
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the NC Central Music Department! Our degrees prepare musicians for professional lives as performers, composers, music educators, conductors, scholars, and music industry professionals, making them competitive for the ever-changing landscape of the music profession.
We offer rigorous Bachelor of Music degrees in Performance, Education, and Industry. Our Master of Music in Jazz Studies is well known throughout the nation and noted as a program of distinction for the university. Music at NC Central is open to music majors and non-majors through participation in the Sound Machine Band or university choirs.
– Isrea L. Butler, Chair
The Department of Music is located in the Edwards Music Building, the B. N. Duke Auditorium and Annex, the Lee Building, and the Student Services Building Annex. These facilities house two recording studios, a concert hall, a computer laboratory, five large rehearsal spaces, several internet-ready smart classrooms, and numerous practice rooms.
The department’s 25 pianos feature mostly Steinway products, including a Steinway “D” 9’ grand and three Steinway 7’ grand pianos.
Apply now to North Carolina Central University!
Artis, Tannya A
Administrative Associate to Chair
Music
Location: C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall, Room 211
Email: tartis@NCCU.EDU
Phone: 919-530-6319
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/tsuggs
Bailey, Candace L
Professor
Music
Barrett, Ralph
Assistant Professor
Music
Brown, Damon
Adjunct Instructor Bass
Music
Location: B. N. Duke Annex, Room 109
Email: brownd@NCCU.EDU
Phone: 530-6206
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/brownd
Butler, Isrea
Chair, Department of Music
Music
Calderazzo, Joey
Artist in Residence
Music
Chambers, Krystal
Dance Instructor
Music
Crew, James C
Instructor Jazz Piano
Music
Location: C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall, Room 313
Email: jcrew@NCCU.EDU
Phone: 919-530-6319
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/jcrew
George, Arnold E
Visiting Instructor Woodwinds
Music
Graham, Kalem
Assistant Band Director
Music
Helm, Lenora Z
Associate Professor, Jazz Studies/Director, Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Music
Location: C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall, Room 204
Email: lhelm@nccu.edu
Phone: 919-530-6653
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/lhelm
Holley, Timothy
Associate Professor of Music
Music
Hollins, Thurman
Band Director
Music
Horton, Brian
Assistant Professor, Jazz Studies
Music
Hudson, Kynan
Band Assistant
Music
Hulme, Lance R
Assistant Professor
Music
Location: C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall, Room EMB 110
Email: lhulme@NCCU.EDU
Phone: 919-530-6270
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/lhulme
Kelly, Maureen S
Adjunct Lecturer
Music
Laws, Roberta
Voice Instructor/University Choir Director
Music
Location: C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall, Room 203
Email: rlaws@NCCU.EDU
Phone: 919-530-6268
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/rlaws
Mack, Robert A
Instructor
Music
Marsalis, Branford
Artist in Residence
Music
Location: C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall, Room 211
Email: Branford.Marsalis@NCCU.EDU
Phone: 919-530-6319
Parker, Quinton D
Music Education Program Coordinator, Assistant Director of Bands
Music
Savoor, Gowri
Teaching Artist
Music
Simpson, Brennetta
Associate Professor
Music
Stacks, Stephen
Adjunct Professor
Music
Strong, Albert
Adjunct Trumpet Professor
Music
Taylor, Thomas E
Lecturer Percussion
Music
Thai, Mei C
Adjunct Instructor
Music
Location: C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall, Room 107
Email: mthai@NCCU.EDU
Phone: 919-530-6319
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/mthai
Trowers, Robert L
Lecturer Low Brass
Music
Tymas, Baron T
Associate Professor Music, Jazz Guitar
Music
Location: B. N. Duke Annex, Room 110/111
Email: btymas@nccu.edu
Phone: 919-530-6343
Profile: https://www.nccu.edu/employee/btymas
Visi, Christopher S
Music Industry Coordinator/Instructor
Music
Wiggins, Ira T
Associate Professor, Director of Jazz Studies, Music Saxophone
Music