Jared Spears

Dr. Jared Spears is Professor of Music Emeritus at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and received the B.S.E. degree in Music Education from Northern Illinois University: the B.M. and M.M. in Percussion and Composition from the Cosmopolitan School of Music: and the D.M. in Composition from Northwestern University. Some of his teachers were Blythe Owen, Alan Stout, and Anthony Donato.

Spears has taught theory, composition, percussion, and band on all levels, from elementary through college. Since his retirement from ASU in May of 1999, he has maintained a busy schedule of composing and conducting. He resides in Chesterfield, MO.

The most outstanding of his awards have been the Faricy Award for Creative Music from Northwestern University School of Music, Award of Merit from the Arkansas Chapter of the National Federation of Music Clubs, Outstanding Educators of America – 1973 and 1975. He has been listed in the International Who’s Who in Music and Who’s Who in The World of Percussion-U.S.A. and is a recipient of several ASCAP Awards. He has also received a Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association, Sigma Alpha Iota Arts Associate, and several ASCAP awards. Spears has also received the President’s Award for the outstanding faculty member of Arkansas State University, as well as an appointment as a President’s Fellow.

Spears has composed music in many mediums, from radio and television to over 250 original works for concert band, choir, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. He has conducted band festivals, camps, and clinics in the United States, Europe and Canada and has made appearances at universities as guest lecturer.