Ella Fitzgerald stated, “Music is the universal language … it brings people closer together.”
The NCCU Department of Music, one of the premier HBCU music programs in the United States and the world, shapes the future and brings together generations of aspiring and internationally known musicians, composers, vocal and instrumental arrangers, and jazz educators for successful careers in jazz music. Powered by philanthropy, the Department recruits and trains the best and brightest undergraduate and graduate students in instrumental and vocal jazz. We look to and ask our music community, alumni and corporate and foundation partners to support numerous and various musical events and programs. Most of our concerts, recitals, masterclasses, and colloquia are free. Please consult our online calendar on this website for a list of upcoming events open to the public.
The Department of Music is grateful for continuing contributions to all of our funds, including:
- Dr. Ira and Joyce Wiggins Endowed Scholarship: The Endowment supports an outstanding undergraduate student in the field of Jazz Studies and honors Dr. Wiggins and his outstanding work as a professor, leader and musician’s advocate.
- Jazz Ensemble Studies Fund: The Fund supports the continuing excellence and innovation in the NCCU Jazz Studies Program.
- Music Department Fund: The Fund gives the Department of Music the greatest capacity to meet the department’s most pressing needs during this challenging time.
- NCCU Jamming with Jazz Giants Endowment Fund: The Endowment supports mentorship opportunities for talented graduate and undergraduate students through engagement with internationally known jazz artists. This new endowed fund enables visiting professional musicians to spend enough time on campus to meaningfully interact with students through workshops, master classes, rehearsals, and similar activities.
- NCCU Vocal Jazz Ensemble Fund: The Fund supports the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and its various activities at North Carolina Central University.
Please consider a gift to the Department of Music today to help us realize the dreams and aspirations of our Eagle students. For more information about establishing endowed scholarships and naming opportunities, you may contact me or Jim Ervin in the NCCU Division of Institutional Advancement (919-530-5264).
Thank you for your support and bringing music to our community. I am grateful for your consideration in supporting the Department of Music and investing in music education at NC Central. I also look forward to seeing you at our events.
With Music,
Dr. Lenora Helm Hammonds
Interim Chair, Department of Music