Rod Vester

Position:

Director of Contemporary Music; Assistant Professor, Contemporary Music

Email: rvester@su.edu

Employed Since:

2021

Ensemble(s):

CONTEMPO Ensemble

Educational History:

B.A., M.M., The University of Memphis; M.A., Harding Graduate School; Ph.D., University of Mississippi

Professional Highlights:

Rod Vester is an educator, researcher, entrepreneur, pianist, organist, composer, conductor and producer who excels in gospel, jazz, classical and contemporary music. He has performed with numerous artists, across genres, including Grammy Award winners CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin and the late Aretha Franklin. As an arts consultant, Dr. Vester has helped expand the educational and artistic programming for many organizations and remains an active performer, clinician and speaker who has presented at Chamber Music America, Sphinx and at state and national music education conferences. Vester is committed to creating spaces where all students feel valued, voiced and visible.

Personal Quote:
Joining an environment full of brilliant scholars and performers who place students at the center of learning is a dream come true.