Lecturer
Amy Birdsong is a professor in the School of Music at James Madison University. Mrs. Birdsong completed her undergraduate work at James Madison University as a music education major, graduating Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Music and a minor in jazz studies and later earned a master's degree in music education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently in the process of completing her Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at James Madison University.
Prof. Birdsong began her professional career in Henrico County at Varina High School. She received Henrico County Public School’s "First Year Teacher Award" for Varina High School. Subsequently she started the band program at Hanover High School (HHS) in its inaugural year. Her concert ensembles consistently received Superior ratings at Assessment, and combined with successful seasons in marching band, earned multiple Virginia Honor Band designations. In 2016 she was named “Teacher of the Year” for Hanover High School.
In addition to her responsibilities at HHS, Prof. Birdsong was also the director of the Richmond Symphony Youth Concert Orchestra, performing semi-annually at the Carpenter Theater at CenterStage. Prof. Birdsong was a founding and performing member of the Commonwealth Winds in Central VA, and currently performs with the Valley Wind Ensemble. Prof. Birdsong is the Professional Development Coordinator of the annual Virginia Music Educator Association conference, and co-chair of the annual VMEA All-VA Jazz Ensemble event. Prof. Birdsong is a member of CBDNA, the Alpha Chi chapter of the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, is a Conn-Selmer VIP Educator, and an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma, Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternities. In 2020 Prof. Birdsong was named The Breeze’s “JMU Professor of the Year.” In 2022 she selected as JMU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Outstanding Junior Faculty Award recipient, as well as the honor of receiving the Madison Vision Teaching Award.
Prior to taking on her role as a lecturer in Music Education at JMU, Prof. Birdsong was the Assistant Director of Bands of her alma mater, working with the Marching Royal Dukes and Pep Band. Prof. Birdsong resides in Rockingham County with her husband Steve and sons Jack and Finn.
Amy Birdsong
Lecturer
birdsoae@jmu.edu
William Dabback
Professor
Director of Graduate Studies and Admissions
dabbacwm@jmu.edu
Rachel Grimsby
Assistant Professor
grimsbrl@jmu.edu
W. Bryce Hayes
Associate Professor
Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu
Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Professor
Director of Choral Activities
vanderjx@jmu.edu
Alice Hammel
Instructor
hammelam@jmu.edu
Scott Zane Smith
Class Piano Coordinator, Supervisor, Instructor
smithsz@jmu.edu
Rhonda Stees
Instructor
steesrl@jmu.edu
Laura Mulligan Thomas
Instructor
thoma8lm@jmu.edu
Stephen P. Bolstad
Professor
Director of Bands
Ensemble Area Coordinator
bolstasp@jmu.edu
Foster Beyers
Assistant Professor
Director of Orchestras
beyersfj@jmu.edu
Amy Birdsong
Lecturer
birdsoae@jmu.edu
Chris DeVona
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands
Director of Pep Band
devonaca@jmu.edu
Chuck Dotas
Professor
Director of Jazz Studies
dotascj@jmu.edu
W. Bryce Hayes
Associate Professor
Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu
Scott Rikkers
Lecturer
Director of the Marching Royal Dukes
Assistant Director of Bands
rikkersd@jmu.edu
Kevin J. Stees
Professor
JMU Brass Band
steeskj@jmu.edu
Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Professor
Director of Choral Activities
vanderjx@jmu.edu
Yi-Ping Chen
Instructor
chenyc@jmu.edu
Greg Thomas
Instructor
thoma3gp@jmu.edu
