Lissa Fleming May

Lissa Fleming May serves as Professor of Music in the Music Education department and Interim Chair of the Guitar Department at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses while supervising student teachers.

Her academic credentials include:

• D.M.E. in Music Education from Indiana University (1998)
• M.S. from Indiana University (1978)
• B.M.E. in Music Education from Indiana University (1973)

Professor May's research centers on practical music education methodologies, with specialization in jazz pedagogy and band instruction. Her scholarly output includes foundational texts like Getting Started with Jazz and A Guide to Student Teaching in Band, alongside numerous compositions for band and jazz ensembles. Her fieldwork extends across 15 U.S. states and international venues including Australia, Brazil, and China where she conducts clinics and guest指挥 engagements.

Administratively, she held leadership roles as Associate Dean for Instruction (2015-2023) and Director of Undergraduate Studies (2013-2015) at the Jacobs School. Prior appointments include supervising fine arts for Waterford School District while directing Oakland University's jazz ensemble, and founding the Purdue Jazz Festival during her tenure as band/jazz faculty at Purdue University where she led international tours to Japan and China.

She maintains active mentorship through student teacher supervision and contributes to music education through clinical work, publications, and ensemble direction across multiple institutional contexts.