Biography

Dr. Jody N. Blake serves as Chair of the Department of Music and Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Tennessee at Martin. In addition to his academic and administrative leadership, he teaches courses in music education, church music, and music appreciation. Prior to his appointment at UTM, Dr. Blake taught all levels, including public and private school (grades 5-12), where his choirs consistently achieved high ratings. He also taught community college choir, applied voice, and music appreciation and has over ten years of church music experience, working with choirs of all age levels. Dr. Blake earned his Doctor of Philosophy and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in music education from Auburn University and master’s degrees from Anderson University (M.M.), and Belhaven University (M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies). His primary research interests include hymnody in music education, Christian music education and worship, distance learning in music education, and aesthetics in music education and worship. He is a passionate advocate for Christian hymnody and frequently offers courses pertaining to the subject.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education, Auburn University
  • Educational Specialist in Music Education, Auburn University
  • Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, Belhaven University
  • Master of Music in Music Education, Anderson University
  • Bachelor of Science in Music, Blue Mountain College

Courses Taught

  • MUED 700: Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Music Education
  • MUED 720: Introduction to Research in Music Education
  • MUED 450: Senior Seminar in Music Education
  • MUS 343: History of Church Music and Liturgical Practices
  • MUS 344: Hymnody, Sacred Repertoire, and Church Music Techniques

Selected Publications, Articles & Presentations

  • Blake, J. N. (2024). Christian Perspectives on Music Education: A Framework for
    Teaching to Reach Heads, Hearts, and Hands. International Journal of
    Christianity & Education. 29 (2), 141-154. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20569971241288206
  • Blake, J. (2021). Teaching Who You Have: Music Belongs to Everyone.
    Academia Letters. https://doi.org/10.20935/AL638
  • Blake, J. (2019). The Driver on the Bus Says: "Sing, Sing, Sing!" Teaching Music
    (1st ed., vol. 27, pp. 11-13). National Association for Music Education.
  • Blake, J. (2018). Distance Learning Music Education: An Overview of History,
    Literature, and Current Trends. Journal of Online Higher Education (3rd
    ed., vol. 2, pp. 1-23).
Areas of Expertise
Music Education
Music Teaching Methods
Musical Aesthetics in Education
Church Music and Hymnology
Departments
Department of Music
Office
109 Fine Arts Building