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Faculty/Staff Directory

D.J.  CulpD.J. Culp

Associate Professor of Music

Biography

Dr. Culp has served as Associate Professor of Instrumental Music Education and Commercial Music since 2022. His primary teaching areas include studies in drumkit, orchestral percussion, music education, conducting, and music theory. He also conducts the 51社区 Symphonic Band, directs the basketball band, and performs with the 51社区 Jazz Machine, a faculty jazz ensemble.

Dr. Culp grew up in a suburb of Chicago, IL and moved to western Kentucky where he graduated high school. He attended Murray State University for his undergraduate degree in music education. He has toured with evangelist Craig Tackett and worship band The Jonathan Project based out of Roanoke, VA. Returning to Murray, KY, Dr. Culp accepted a public school teaching position in 2009 as a band director. During his time at South Marshall Middle School in Benton, KY, his program saw growth and success that had been dormant for approximately 15 years including parade invitations, honor band participation, and superior and distinguished ratings at both concert festival and solo & ensemble festivals. He finished his Masters in Music Education from Murray State University in 2013 and began pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education at the University of Mississippi, studying under Dr. Alan L. Spurgeon and Dr. Michael D. Worthy. He was rhythm section leader for The Mississippians Jazz Ensemble and participated in the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 2015. During his time in the ensemble, he had the opportunity to perform with artists such as Jeff Coffin, Jim Snidero, and Ben Rice. Upon completion of the doctorate, Dr. Culp served for six years as an Associate Professor of Music at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. His teaching duties included music education courses, percussion studio, jazz ensemble, and the history of American popular music.

Dr. Culp is currently the principal percussionist with the Jackson Symphony and has been involved with JSO since 2022. He is also the drummer for the Jackson Symphony on the Move ensemble, which plays multiple locations throughout the year, including an annual summer tour throughout West Tennessee. He has presented at regional and state music conferences on topics such as: characteristics of expert middle school band rehearsals, creating music assessments, philosophical inquiry in music education, and how drummers are servants to ensembles.

Dr. Culp currently resides in Milan, TN with his incredible wife Shera of 14 years and three children, Noah, Addie, and Zoe. He is also the host of , a Christian podcast that discusses how Christians interact with the world from a man鈥檚 perspective. You can listen to the show on most of the major streaming platforms.

Education

  • Ph.D in Music Education, University of Mississippi
  • M.M. in Music Eduction, Murray State University
  • B.M. in Music Education, Murray State University


Recent Video

Let's Talk About That Podcast: Little (Jazz) Drummer Boy D.J. Culp - Nov 12, 2024

Dr. D.J. Culp, jazz drummer and music professor, joins us this week for a fantastic and fun conversation about his history with music, his love of certain movies, and his deep appreciation for music education!
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Recent Photos

10/19/23 - DJ Culp, associate professor of music, leads the Symphonic Band during their fall concert. - Kristi McMurry Woody 10/19/23 | 31055 | XL
DJ Culp, associate professor of music, leads the Symphonic Band during their fall concert. - Kristi McMurry Woody

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