Rate My Professor Jeff Bright

Dr. Jeff Bright serves as Head of the Department of Music, Professor of Music, and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Arkansas Tech University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education in music education and a Master of Education in music education from the University of Arkansas, as well as a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus. Prior to his current roles at Arkansas Tech University, Dr. Bright served on the faculty at Western Kentucky University, where his responsibilities included directing all athletic bands and the Symphonic Band, coordinating the graduate music program, and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. Earlier in his career, he was Director of Bands at Northeastern State University, overseeing all band activities and teaching low brass applied lessons. Over thirty-one years, Dr. Bright has taught music at both secondary and postsecondary levels, with high school ensembles under his direction consistently earning superior ratings and best-in-class awards.

Dr. Bright's research specializes in music education, with interests in career choice, persistence, and leadership. He has published music education research in Contributions to Music Education, including the article "Factors influencing outstanding band students' choice of music education as a career" (2006), and serves as a regular contributor to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. He has presented at national and state conventions of the National Association for Music Education and at College Band Directors National Association athletic band symposiums. Dr. Bright received the Third District College/University Teacher of the Year award from the Kentucky Music Educators Association in 2010 and the Potter College of Arts and Letters Teaching Excellence Award from Western Kentucky University for the 2012-2013 academic year. He maintains an active schedule as an adjudicator and clinician in the United States and abroad and is affiliated with organizations including Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity, American School Band Directors Association, College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, Music Educators National Conference, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.