Justin Nelson

Dr. Justin Nelson serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), within the Department of Music under the College of Liberal & Performing Arts. He holds a DMA from Texas Tech University, an MM from Austin Peay State University, and a BM from Carson-Newman University. His expertise spans choral conducting, vocal pedagogy, and music education.

• Education:
• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) – Texas Tech University (2019)
• Master of Music (MM) – Austin Peay State University (2016)
• Bachelor of Music (BM) – Carson-Newman University (2000)

Dr. Nelson’s research focuses on Anton Bruckner’s male part-songs, performance practices of African-American spirituals, and techniques for young conductors to balance technical and artistic skills. He has extensive experience in choral direction, including roles with the Lubbock Chorale, University Choir, and collegiate ensembles. His awards include three Cherokee High School Teacher of the Year titles and Hawkins County Teacher of the Year (2014).

He mentors music education students and serves as a choral clinician for schools in Texas and Tennessee. His church music roles include Director of Music Ministries and Choral Scholar positions across multiple denominations.