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Mississippi College Alumnus Tyler Kemp Joins Music Department Faculty


Tyler Kemp

Mississippi College graduate Tyler Kemp recently returned to his alma mater to teach music on the Clinton campus.

Kemp is among several newcomers on the faculty as Mississippi College begins its 2014-15 academic year in late August.

A gifted pianist at Mississippi churches stretching from Jackson to Louisville, Kemp joins the MC Music Department faculty after two years as Belhaven University’s staff accompanist. The Louisville native worked with instrumentalists, vocalists, dance and choral groups at Belhaven’s Jackson campus.

Kemp also applied his musical talents as an arranger for choirs and ensembles, including schools in Clinton, Brandon, Petal, and Tupelo. The accompanist for the Mississippi Opera since 2012, he’s performed with a variety of organizations spanning jazz to classical  and contemporary Christian music.

His recording experience has taken the 29-year-old instructor to work at studios in Seattle and Los Angeles. His worship leading experiences have brought him to performances in New Zealand and Puerto Rico.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in 2007 and master’s in 2012, both in piano performance, at Mississippi College helped open career doors for this versatile musician. Tyler is a 2003 valedictorian graduate of Louisville High School.

“In addition to his keyboard skills, Tyler is well-versed in recording techniques and computer-related music technology, including expertise in virtually all current music software systems,” says Angie Willoughby, who chairs the Mississippi College Music Department. “He has collaborated on several recordings, both as a performer and as a sound technician.”

In the months ahead, Tyler will accompany vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs and stage productions on the Clinton campus.

Kemp is delighted to mark his return to the MC family.

“I’m excited about working alongside the great faculty that taught me so much while I was a student at Mississippi College,” Kemp said. “I’m also excited about carrying on the wonderful traditions of the music department and offering what I can to take the department forward.”

His duties will include accompanying such campus groups as the award-winning MC Singers.

The Jackson resident isn’t the only member of his family to love the Blue and Gold. His twin brother, Jordan Kemp, is also a Mississippi College graduate.