Mastery, Expression & Freedom
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord,” proclaims the psalmist, and that is the mission of Belhaven’s Music Department. Our music degrees provide a firm foundation suitable to a variety of professional callings. The department’s close community aims to help each individual fill their role in God’s Kingdom.
Come learn and grow with us as we guide musicians as they embrace the talents that God has entrusted and placed within them.
National Accreditation
Belhaven University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Meet Our Students & Alumni
A Celebrated Haven for Arts Education
Only 39 universities in the U.S. are accredited in all major arts. Belhaven is one. That means master classes, great performances, and national competitions. When you study art, dance, music, or theatre here, you’re earning a degree from a nationally recognized school for the arts.
"It is comforting to know that my degree will help get my foot in the door with future employers and graduate programs. But more than that, I am so thankful for the skills and relationships I've developed while earning my degree. I know that the experiences I've had at Belhaven will lead me toward the good and the beautiful as I continue working and learning beyond college."
"I was attracted to Belhaven because its one of the few performing arts schools in the country that operates with more than just a nod to the Christian perspective. Belhaven has equipped me to teach, direct, perform, choreograph, compose and work in music ministry."
"My favorite thing about Belhaven is the community. The teachers really encourage fellowship and share their passion for the arts in a way that helps you continue learning outside the classroom."
"My favorite thing about Belhaven is how loving the faculty and staff are. I enjoy how God’s presence is implemented in the classroom. I love being part of the Belhaven community!"
Collaborative Community
Expand your view of the arts and fuel creativity. Belhaven Arts Departments connect you with artists in other disciplines providing diverse experiences and perspectives that cultivate growth.
Center for the Arts
Composition, performance, and production are all impacted by environment. That’s why we take pride in our facilities, where students immerse themselves in multiple practice spaces and dynamic performance spots.
Take a virtual tour of the Center for the Arts
Seize the Chance to Strengthen Your Performance
Belhaven’s student musicians have the chance to practice their craft through collaborative internship and performance opportunities:
- Performances with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
- National and Regional Competitions
- Internships in local churches, private and public schools
- Practice teaching in applied studies
- Participation in professional arts organizations
- Concert production experience
Clear Career Avenues
Music graduates will be qualified to pursue careers in many fields, as well as go on to graduate study. Most importantly, graduates will be equipped for a broad range of creative avenues.
A music education can help you choose a meaningful career path:
- Art Missionary
- Collaborative Pianist
- Director/Conductor
- Industry arranger/composer
- Musical Director
- Music Educator
- Music Therapy (in conjunction with psychology)
- Private Studio Teacher
- Producer
- Solo/ensemble performer
- Sound engineer
- University Professor
- Worship Ministry
- Workshop/master-class presenter
Where Are Belhaven’s Music Grads Now?
Belhaven University alumni have crafted diverse and impactful careers in the music field, often integrating advanced studies and certifications into their professional journeys. Many serve as music educators at various school districts throughout the country. Others, combine teaching at private studios with roles in public music programs. Belhaven graduates also excel in performance, securing positions with prestigious ensembles such as the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the Erin Philharmonic. Some alumni branch into leadership roles within educational and religious organizations while others operate private studios or contribute to specialized arts and nonprofit sectors. This array of careers highlights the versatile and community-focused pathways available to Belhaven’s alumni.
Majoring in Music: What You Need to Know
For music majors, the audition gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your musical talents, converse with music faculty about your interests, and explore opportunities and possibilities for studying music at Belhaven.
These audition “conversations” are best accomplished in person, but a “virtual audition” is equally acceptable.
- Performance and internships with Opera Mississippi
- Performance with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
- Music competitions
- Performance and Internships in local churches
- Teaching private lessons for church and school programs
- Participation in professional arts organizations
- Concert production experience
You do not need to be a music major to participate in these ensemble/program opportunities. We welcome students from all studies to develop and enjoy their God-given talents!
Voted one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast, the Singing Christmas is the epitome of Belhaven's collaborative and communal spirit. Students, faculty, staff, several departments, and community members join to present a heart-warming performance of Christmas music.
The Music Department presents a variety concerts and recitals which are open to the public free of charge.
University clubs are great ways to get involved in campus community and grow your skills, whether you join a music club or one of the many organizations outside of the School of Music.
Follow us on Facebook for announcements and reminders:
Music Department Handbook
Learn the ins and outs of the music programs at Belhaven, including lesson, studio, and performance requirements.
Meet Our Faculty
Instructor of Cello
Nancy Bateman
Instructor of Cello
Instructor of Woodwinds
Todd Bobo
Instructor of Woodwinds
Instructor of Jazz Guitar
Dennis Bonds
Instructor of Jazz Guitar
Instructor of String Bass
Richard Brown
Instructor of String Bass
Instructor of Organ
Carol Durham
Instructor of Organ
Chapel Worship and Arts Director
Doug Eltzroth
Chapel Worship and Arts Director
Associate Professor of Music, Chair of Music and Voice Area Coordinator
Rebecca Geihsler-Chittom
Associate Professor of Music, Chair of Music and Voice Area Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Music
Chrissy Hrivnak
Assistant Professor of Music
Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Coordinator of Music Education, Instrumental Music, and Recruitment
Casey Kirk
Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Coordinator of Music Education, Instrumental Music, and Recruitment
Instructor of Harp
Mandy Mangrum
Instructor of Harp
Instructor of Classical Guitar
Tanja Miric
Instructor of Classical Guitar
Specialty Instructor of Collaborative Piano
Katie Moody
Specialty Instructor of Collaborative Piano
Women’s Ensemble Director and Collaborative Pianist
Angie Rawls
Women’s Ensemble Director and Collaborative Pianist
Assistant Professor of Dance; Director of the International Center for Musicianship in Dance
Owen Rockwell
Assistant Professor of Dance; Director of the International Center for Musicianship in Dance
Instructor of Piano and Collaborative Pianist
Megan Rowan
Instructor of Piano and Collaborative Pianist
Professor of Music (Composition/Theory)
Andrew Sauerwein
Professor of Music (Composition/Theory)
Instructor of Trumpet
Lloyd Turner
Instructor of Trumpet
Instructor of Voice and Music History
Sarah Waters
Instructor of Voice and Music History
Professor of Music (Violin/Viola/Chamber music ), Director of string area, Conductor of BU Symphony Orchestra
Song Xie
Professor of Music (Violin/Viola/Chamber music ), Director of string area, Conductor of BU Symphony Orchestra
Contact Us
Music Department
Phone: 601-974-6494Center for the Arts
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 320
Jackson, MS 39202
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5