Justin Anders

Justin Anders is Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Division of Music at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), where he has served since 2016. He leads the academic and artistic direction of the music program, overseeing degree offerings including the Master of Music in Jazz Studies.

Education:

• ABD, Music Education – Boston University
• MA, Choral Conducting – University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• BME, Instrumental and Professional Education – University of Arkansas at Monticello
• BA, Piano Concentration – University of Arkansas at Monticello

Dr. Anders specializes in music education, choral and instrumental conducting, jazz studies, and musical theater direction. His work bridges academic training with performance leadership, having conducted major choral-orchestral works and directed full-scale musical and operatic productions. He has collaborated with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra on performances such as Annie and Four Saints in Three Acts.

Although no publications are listed, his career reflects a strong engagement with performance, pedagogy, and program development in both K–12 and higher education settings.

Professional Recognition:

• Consistently earned superior ratings with concert and jazz bands.
• Led Harrison High School Jazz Ensemble to eight first-place finishes in regional competitions (2008–2013).
• Directed Harrison Symphonic Band to first division rating at region competition in 2013—the first in the program’s history.

Dr. Anders has advised academic programs and student ensembles extensively. Prior to UAM, he served as junior high director of bands, jazz studies coordinator, and woodwind specialist in the Harrison School District, bringing significant practical experience to his academic leadership. He is actively involved in music outreach, including band camps and living learning communities.

He has led and conducted major performances including Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Mozart’s Requiem, and the operetta H.M.S. Pinafore, demonstrating broad artistic leadership across genres.