Jacksonville Music Teachers Association, Inc.

05/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Julie Myung Ok Song to the UNF School of Music as our official Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Education! 🎵

An accomplished educator, conductor, and researcher, Dr. Song has taught at universities in both the United States and South Korea and brings extensive experience in choral music, vocal pedagogy, and music education.

Her research and teaching center around vocal health, music education philosophy, and fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments. In addition to teaching future music educators at UNF, she remains deeply involved in community music through conducting and performance work throughout Jacksonville.

We are excited for our students to learn from Dr. Song’s knowledge, artistry, and passion for music education. Welcome to UNF! 🎶

05/22/2026

“I am extremely grateful for all the experiences and connections I have made this semester at UNF.” - Lucas Jones ✨

We are proud to highlight junior flutist Lucas Jones for an incredible semester of musical achievement, leadership, and community impact at the UNF School of Music.

This year, Lucas earned 1st Place in FIVE concerto and young artist competitions, including:
🎶 Florida Flute Association College Young Artist Competition
🎶 Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition
🎶 Jacksonville Youth Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition
🎶 UNF Concerto Competition
🎶 St. Augustine Orchestra Young Artist Competition

Through these accomplishments, Lucas has performed in four Florida cities and collaborated with four different ensembles, including the UNF Wind Symphony, Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, St. Augustine Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony.

Beyond performance, Lucas continues to make a meaningful impact through FLUTES4KIDS, the nonprofit he founded to support young musicians in our community. This year alone, the organization sponsored masterclasses, hosted the Keep the Beat 5K, and helped give back more than $3,000 toward instruments, summer camps, convention fees, and music commissions for students.

Congratulations, Lucas!

05/20/2026

Join us for our season finale on May 31 featuring works by Jessie Montgomery and Ludwig van Beethoven https://flchambermusic.org/

05/20/2026

Today would have been Marvin Blickenstaff’s 91st birthday. Last year, to celebrate his 90th birthday, Marvin realized a lifelong goal of performing at Carnegie Hall, sharing music with his friends and family in the spirit of generosity that shaped his life.

At The Frances Clark Center, we continue to feel Marvin’s influence through his teaching and the example he set. He shaped generations of musicians and educators, always approaching his work with a deep respect for those he taught.

Marvin’s connection to the Center was both personal and purposeful. He believed that piano teachers shape lives and deserve meaningful support in their ongoing growth and development. Through that vision, he established the Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund, which supports teaching programs, education, and resources that cultivate beauty, expression, and artistry in piano teaching and learning.

Marvin often referenced the quote, “I touch the future, I teach.” He believed passionately that he led the best possible life in service to music and piano teaching. As he once shared, “If I had my life to live over, I would do exactly what I have done for these 60 years, and that is to teach piano.”

We invite you to join us in honoring Marvin’s life and legacy by supporting the Marvin Blickenstaff Teaching Excellence Fund at pianoinspires.com/marvin-blickenstaff/.

On this special day, we express our deepest gratitude for having known Marvin and for the profound impact he had on so many. He changed lives, advanced the profession, and built communities around the world. The outpouring of love for Marvin is a testament to the love he poured into all of us.

05/20/2026

Please join us in congratulating Professor Lynne Arriale on being named the University of North Florida’s 2026 Distinguished Professor, the university’s highest faculty honor. 🎉

An internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, educator, and mentor, Professor Arriale has made an extraordinary impact both on stage and in the classroom. Her career includes performances around the world, award-winning recordings, and decades of dedication to her students and the jazz community.

This honor recognizes her outstanding achievements in teaching, performance, and service; including her lasting influence on generations of UNF School of Music students.

We are proud to celebrate this well deserved recognition for one of our outstanding faculty members. Congratulations, Lynne!

05/02/2026

04/21/2026

Please join us for Cesar Franck’s Piano Quintet in F minor with guest pianist Hyunsoon Whang on May 3 at Friday Musicale.

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

ARIAS, Amelia Residents in Action for the Symphony, is pleased to announce the first ever performance in Fernandina Beach by the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Philharmonic!
📯
FREE to the public.
Sunday, April 26, 2026. 4pm.
Fernandina Beach Middle School
🎶
The school auditorium offers theater seating. Please arrive early if you need multiple seats together for this free concert. Doors open at 3:15 pm.

ariasnassau.org

04/21/2026

Get ready for a night where the vibe is vocal! 🎤✨ Join us for the Downtown Choral Concert on April 24 at 6:15 PM at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. From rich harmonies to powerful ensemble moments, this performance celebrates the energy and artistry of choral music in a stunning downtown setting.

Doors open at 5:45 PM—come early, grab a seat, and soak in the atmosphere before the music begins.

📍 Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
🗓 April 24 | Doors 5:45 PM | Concert 6:15 PM