Mormon Tabernacle Choir's former director to head USU music department

By Jason Chesney

April 11, 2008 | Craig Jessop, former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, has been announced as the head of the music department at Utah State. He will replace interim head Dr. Nicholas Morrison.

"I think he will be a tremendous lift to the chorale area. He will be a great mentor," said Dr. Cory Evans, director of chorale activities at Utah State.

Jessop directed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1999 to 2008. As department head, he will oversee all music courses to make sure curriculums and faculty meet accreditation standards set by the National Association for Schools of Music. He will review teacher evaluations, essentially, "assessing the pulse of each teacher," Evans said. Jessop will also act as a liaison between faculty, students, the community and upper administration within the university.

"Craig Jessop is a prominent figure and a celebrity. Just the name alone will have a big play on encouraging financial donations to the department," said Evans.

Due to lack of funding, the USU music department has been forced to cut programs over the last two years. Professors have also been overloaded with amount of students in the music program and the deficit of teachers in department. More funding would enable an expansion of the music department with newer equipment and a variety of other facets within the existing programs. It also opens the possibility of hiring new professors which would distribute the work load of a music teacher more evenly.

Jessop completed a bachelor’s degree in music education from Utah State in 1973. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a doctorate of musical arts in conducting and performance practice from Stanford University. He is a native to Cache Valley, where he still has many family connections.

After resigning from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jessop looked to get involved again in education by applying for the position as music head. "He desires to have a strong contact with students and community in a teaching situation," said Evans.

After the announcement of the new department head was made, Evans met with Jessop to discuss his new position. Evans said that Jessop wanted to get back to his administrative roots. He enjoys being in charge of things and can be extremely assertive in accomplishing goals.

Typically, the head of the music department will not teach courses. It is a position where administrating is the main focus. However, with Jessop’s background and experience it is possible he could teach some courses or even direct an ensemble. But, that has yet to be decided. Jessop will officially begin in his new position next month.

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