ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts

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Monroe, LA
ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts

VAPA programs are designed to develop your expertise, challenge your creativity & fuel your passion.

Art concentrations are offered in ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, and art education. Bachelor of Music studies include performance, theory and composition, musical theater, piano pedagogy, and music education. Bachelor of Arts in Music concentrations include Psychology, Communication, Creative Writing, Journalism, Spanish, Business, and Pre-Medical Studies. Concentrations under development include Jazz Studies, Church Music, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Pre-Creative Arts Therapy. Theater and dance offer minor areas of study and provide a variety of performance opportunities to enhance studio-based courses.

09/04/2025

ULM School of Visual & Performing Arts Presents Guest Artists Dr. Serena LaRoche, Soprano, and Dr. Catherine Garner, Piano

The University of Louisiana Monroe’s School of Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) proudly welcomes Dr. Serena LaRoche, soprano, and Dr. Catherine Garner, piano, guest artists from the University of South Carolina School of Music, for a special recital showcasing a wide-ranging program from Baroque masterpieces to modern works.

The recital will take place on Today, September 4, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall on the ULM campus. The event is free for students with ID and open to the public for $5 .

08/20/2025

ULM Student Adedayo Lawal Awarded 2025 William Adam International Trumpet Seminar Music Scholarship

Monroe, La. — The University of Louisiana Monroe is proud to announce that Adedayo Lawal, a music student from Nigeria, has been awarded the 2025 William Adam International Trumpet Seminar Music Scholarship. First awarded in 2024, the William Adam International Trumpet Seminar Music Scholarship was established to assist a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in furthering their musical studies with a one-time award.

The William Adam International Seminar Music Scholarship celebrates the legacy of the late William Adam, world-renowned trumpet pedagogue and longtime professor at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, whose artistry and mentorship shaped generations of musicians across the globe. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding musical ability, academic achievement, and a commitment to the values Adam championed: hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving others through music.

Lawal, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance at ULM, has distinguished himself as both a performer and a leader within the music program. He is an active member of the ULM Wind Ensemble, ULM Jazz Ensemble, ULM Trumpet Ensemble, and the Magnolia Brass Quintet, where his artistry and team spirit have enriched the university’s musical community.

“Dayo (Adedayo) is as hardworking a student as I have ever had,” said Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Eric Siereveld, who is himself a former student of Mr. William Adam. “He reflects the qualities Mr. Adam instilled us, his students. I know he is humbled to receive this recognition, but I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award. We are incredibly proud of this young man.”

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Lawal’s journey to ULM demonstrates his commitment to musical excellence and his aspiration to share his artistry on a global stage. “It is truly an honor to be recognized in this way and I am deeply thankful for the generosity and support,” Lawal said. “I look forward to making the most of this opportunity and to being a good steward of Mr. Adam’s legacy. I’m so thankful to be a part of this musical “family.”

The scholarship will support Lawal’s continued studies at ULM, providing new opportunities for growth in performance, research, and community engagement.

For more information about the ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts, please visit ulm.edu/vapa.

08/14/2025

What to expect at ULM's Festival of Voices...
- Singing with the ULM Choirs under the direction of Dr. Carlton Kilpatrick, Director of Choral Activities

- Interacting with ULM's voice faculty- Dr. Nancy Carey, Mr. Justin Havard, and Dr. Claire

- Performances by ULM's choirs, faculty, and students

- Learning more about the choral program and vocal program at ULM

- LMEA All-State preparation sessions for interested students

This event is FREE and open to any interested 9th-12th grade student. We would love to host entire choirs, if, or individuals who are interested in spending a day making music together. There is nothing to prepare before you come and all materials will be distributed on site. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Please contact Dr. Kilpatrick at ckilpatrick@ulm.edu for more information. Please register online by Wednesday, September 3rd.

Register here: www.ulm.edu/artsonthebayou

08/14/2025

Hello VAPA Community !

We’d like to take a moment to hear directly from our students about their experiences in our vibrant and inspiring program.

Meet Mr. Braden Tucker

08/13/2025

Hello VAPA Community !

We’d like to take a moment to hear directly from our students about their experiences in our vibrant and inspiring program.

Meet Ms. Shykeria Smith

08/12/2025

Hello VAPA Community !

We’d like to take a moment to hear directly from our students about their experiences in our vibrant and inspiring program.

Meet Ms. Thai Newton

08/11/2025

Hello VAPA Community!
We’d like to take a moment to hear directly from our students about their experiences in our vibrant and inspiring program.
Meet Ms. Mallory Burris

08/08/2025

Hello VAPA Community!
We’d like to take a moment to hear directly from our students about their experiences in our vibrant and inspiring program.
Meet Ms. Hannah Eason

08/08/2025

VAPA was delighted to host the Monroe City Schools and Ouachita Parish School Board elementary music teachers for professional development today. The Music Education faculty, Dr. Carlton Kilpatrick and Dr. Jacquelyn Tabone, each presented a session designed specifically for K-6 music teachers. 18 of these outstanding teachers are alumni of ULM (NLU), including our most recent Music Education graduate, Harper Innis. Harper will be sharing the joy of music with elementary students at Woodlawn Elementary this year.

Special thanks to Marquette Marshall (MCS) and Lacy Sanderson (OPSB) for their help in facilitating this event. We hope that all of our local music educators have a fantastic start to their year!

08/07/2025

Hello VAPA Community!
We’d like to take a moment to hear directly from our students about their experiences in our vibrant and inspiring program.
Meet Ms. Chauna Wilhite

07/23/2025

DR. ERIC SIEREVELD'S ORGANIC QUINTET releases SWEET WILLIAM feat. Special Guest Steve Davis on Trombone

Available July 25, 2025 on VINYL, CD and Download

Assoc. Professor of Music at ULM Dr. Eric Siereveld releases Sweet William , featuring his group the Organic Quintet with special guest and international trombone virtuoso Steve Davis on July 25th.

On this new release, Dr. Siereveld presents seven new compositions and one reimagined ballad, reaffirming the vitality of the organ jazz tradition with a dynamic new lineup. Trumpeter and composer Eric Siereveld leads the ensemble alongside returning organist Steve Snyder, with newcomers Bill Todd (tenor saxophone/flute), Tony Davis (guitar), and Carmen Intorre Jr. (drums). Renowned trombonist Steve Davis appears as a featured guest on six tracks, lending his signature sound and veteran presence throughout.

The album opens with “Growl,” a high-energy tribute to Siereveld’s hometown Cincinnati Bengals, evoking the swagger of 1970s CTI. Other highlights include the hard bop–inspired “The Worm Burner”; a lush reworking of Sid Wayne and Joe Sherman’s “Sweet William,” dedicated to Siereveld’s son; and “Do the Right Thing,” a soulful, collaborative centerpiece featuring the father-son duo of Steve and Tony Davis. From the infectious shuffle of “The Git Down!” to the hard-driving “They See You Before They Hear You” (a nod to Art Blakey), the album balances grit, elegance, and swing. The closer, “The Merlion,” is a soulful, angular finale that leaves a lasting impression.

With Sweet William, he and the Organic Quintet take a bold step forward, showcasing a more mature, expressive sound without sacrificing the group’s signature bite and flair. This swagger-filled outing is a powerful reminder that organ jazz remains a vital, soulful force.

Sweet William was made possible in part by the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Endowed Professorship in Music. Dr. Siereveld say, "I deeply humbled by the opportunities this professorship has provided me creatively. I'm incredibly proud of the music captured on Sweet William and I firmly believe it represents the best of what we do artistically at ULM." Dr. Siereveld is proud to be a Yamaha Artist, performing exclusivly on Yamaha Trumpet and Flugelhorns.

Sweet William will be available July 25th on LP, CD, and streaming on all major platforms.

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700 University Ave
Monroe, LA
71209

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http://www.ulm.edu/vapa

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