Teresa Crosby, an Instructor of Voice at JSU, has a long history at JSU, including her reign as Miss Alabama (1978). In addition to teaching Class Voice, she is involved with the Jacksonville Opera Theatre and JSU Drama Department.

What are some of your hobbies? 

Civil War reenactment, traveling, cooking.

Do you have any pets? 

3 cats.

Where are you from and how long have you been at JSU?

I grew up in Wellington, AL, 15 minutes west of Jacksonville. I graduated from Donoho School in Anniston, AL. I graduated from JSU in 1979 with a major in music (vocal performance) and minor in drama. After receiving my master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, I returned to JSU in 1981 as their first full-time recruiter. 

In my 15-yr career in JSU Admissions and Public Relations, I created the JSU tour program, ran the Visitor’s Center, and recruited students from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. 

In 2001, I began teaching voice in the Music Department and was the vocal coach for the drama department’s yearly musical for ten years.

At the end of this academic year, my service to JSU will total 34 years; 15 in admissions and 19 teaching voice. 

What is your favorite class to teach, and why?

My favorite classes are teaching private voice lessons—because it gives me the chance to watch a singer grow as a result of my teaching—and Class Voice because I love watching non-voice majors discover their voices!

What is your specialization? 

Teaching students how to sing—teaching voice.

Did you always plan on teaching? 

No. I had planned to perform professionally. When I began my career in public relations, I loved my work at JSU so much that I decided to postpone performing professionally. In 2001, I joined the voice faculty and have found yet another career which fills my soul with joy.

Do you have a favorite musician or singer? 

I have several favorite musicians and singers. Renee Fleming, Anna Netrebko, and Jessye Norman are my favorite sopranos. Bryn Terfel is my favorite baritone.  Audra McDonald is my favorite musical theatre singer.  Barbra Streisand is my favorite pop singer.  Mannheim Steamroller, Manhattan Transfer, and Pentatonix are my favorite musicians.

What do you love most about working at JSU? 

I love the tight-knit closeness of the students and faculty of the Music Department.

What music are you currently working on? 

I will be working on a new piece that Dr. Gail Steward, retired professor of piano, is writing for soprano and piano (when she finishes it).