Keith McCutchen

Keith McCutchen is an Associate Professor of Music in the School of Humanities at Kentucky State University, where he teaches Music Theory, History, Composition, and Piano. He also serves as the Choir Director, leading the concert choir on national tours to Washington D.C. and New York.

• D.M.A., Indiana University
• M.M., University of Minnesota
• B.M.E., University of Kentucky

His creative and scholarly work centers on choral music, jazz, spirituals, and composition. He is known for his arrangements of 'Amazing Grace' and Duke Ellington’s 'Come Sunday', and has premiered large-scale works such as Jazz Vespers and Songs of Struggle, Hope and Triumph with international ensembles. His research integrates cultural heritage, sacred music, and jazz innovation, often blending academic rigor with artistic expression.

His recent creative outputs show a strong trend in spirituals, choral arrangements, jazz composition, and cross-genre orchestration, performed globally and recorded by elite ensembles like the St. Olaf Choir. His works have been featured at the World Choir Games and American Choral Directors Association conferences, reflecting both artistic excellence and scholarly impact in music.

Scientific and Artistic Recognition:

• Commissioned by College Music Society
• Performed at American Choral Directors Association Conferences
• Compositions performed at World Choir Games, Seoul
• Recorded by St. Olaf Choir and American Spiritual Ensemble
• Published by Earthsongs and Carus-Verlag

As a mentor and educator, McCutchen advises music students in composition, performance, and theory, though specific student names are not listed. He has secured artistic commissions such as the 10-piano arrangement of 'Come Sunday', and his CD Beginnings (2018) reflects ongoing creative productivity. His collaborations with jazz legends like Mel Torme', Richard Davis, and Jamey Aebersold highlight his integration into national jazz education and performance networks.

McCutchen has worked closely with the Camerata Antiqua de Curitiba, Brazil, premiering major works with this ensemble, indicating an international artistic partnership. His leadership of the concert choir and involvement in high-profile performances suggest an active role in a dynamic musical team at Kentucky State University.