FAMU Department of Music
Specialized music training in a diverse university setting.
It is also the mission of the department to teach non-majors and members of the community about music as a part of human culture and experience. Our tradition of excellence with caring continues.
Our Music Community
With a diverse repertoire of classical, jazz, contemporary, spiritual, gospel, and multicultural choral genres, the FAMU Concert Choir is well known for its innovation and versatility.
For students who are pursuing careers as producers, artists, composers, engineers, label executives, managers, music publishers and all areas in the music industry.
Internationally renowned, the incomparable Florida A&M University Marching 100 is the standard by which all other marching bands are judged.
What We Have To Offer
Academic Advisement
Learn MoreAdvisors can help you develop and evaluate your educational plans and provide you with accurate information about FAMU and the Department of Music's policies, procedures, resources, and programs.
Degree Programs
Learn MoreThe FAMU Department of Music offers an impressive series of programs for undergraduate study, with the perfect combination of access to a diverse university setting and specialized music training.
Ensembles
Learn MoreWhether you are a music major or a non-music major, you may be interested in performing in one of our many ensembles.
Scholarships
Learn MoreThe Florida A&M University (FAMU) Department of Music offers a limited number of music scholarships to students based on musical skill and knowledge.
Focuses & Concentrations: Specialized music training in a diverse university setting
More information about the Department of Music
- Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of Bands
- Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Arranger
- Dr. Shaylor James, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion
- Dr. Longineu Parsons, Director of Trumpets
- Dr. Sylvester Young, Assistant Director of Bands
- Dr. Nicholas Thomas, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Woodwinds
- Mr. Robert Griffin, Director of Trombones
- Mr. Darryl Baker, Assistant Director of Bands
- Mr. Ralph JeanPaul, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Lower Brass
- Mr. Tovah Lovely, Assistant Director of Percussion
- Mr. Donald Beckwith, Store Keeper and Equipment Manager
- Dr. Deirdre McCroy, Compliance Officer
Dr. Longineu Parsons, Director of Composition & Trumpet Professor
Dr. Longineu Parsons is a force of nature. He obtained his Bachelor of Music degree at FAMU and earned a Masters in Classical Trumpet at the University of Florida. He pursued a supplementary degree in Jazz Studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, studied composition at the doctoral level at Florida State University, and received the PhD in Composition at the University of Florida.
Composition students have the rare opportunity to study one-on-one with Dr. Longineu Parsons, a FAMU alum who played with Nat Adderley, Cab Calloway, Doc Severinsen, Herbie Mann, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, Branford Marsalis, and many more. He appeared in the national production of Satchmo. He was a featured soloists in the Great Performances special "Three Mo' Tenors." Dr. Parsons has an active international career as a recording and performing artist, and is the father of professional musician Longineu W. Parsons III.