Jacob Sunshine

Jacob Sunshine serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Instrumental Music in the Department of Music at Rhodes College, where he teaches across Ethnomusicology, Urban Studies, Africana Studies, Latin American Studies, and Gender and Sexuality Studies. He is an inaugural member of the Buckman Center for Global Engagement Advisory Board and founded the Rhodes Archipelago Ensemble for Caribbean, South American, and African repertoire.

Education

• M.A. and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology - Harvard University
• B.A. in Anthropology - Columbia University in the City of New York

His research examines sound cultures across the Caribbean, Africa, and United States, with current focus on Déjala Correr: The Sonic Infrastructure of Sociality on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast—analyzing Barranquilla’s sound system culture, West/Central African guitar music, and urban sound conflicts. He pioneers courses like "DJ Cultures and Dance Environments" and "Urban Sound Studies," integrating sound system practices with environmental and social dynamics.

Scientific Recognition

• 2023 Lise Waxer Prize from SEM for graduate research excellence

Research supported by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies and Mellon Urban Initiative. Active in academic leadership as Member at Large for SEM’s Sound Studies Section (organizing the 2023 Sounding Board exhibition) and Music Export Memphis Artist Jury Committee. Guest lectures delivered at University of Michigan, Berklee College of Music, and Colombian universities. As a performing artist, collaborates with Memphis, New York, and Boston-based groups as guitarist, composer, and producer.