With its mission to provide rigorous musical training relevant to the needs of modern society, undergirded with the power and depth of Centenary College’s liberal arts philosophy, the Hurley School of Music has been a Centenary cornerstone since the founding of the first formal music program in 1850. Dr. James Eakin has contributed to fulfilling that mission as both student and teacher. 

Dr. Eakin, a Shreveport native, was interested in music from a very early age, experimenting with creating his own compositions.  He graduated from Centenary College with a Bachelor of Music in 2000. He continued his education at Southern Methodist University, where he received his Master of Music in 2003, and received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Composition from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2007. He returned to serve his Alma Mater in the Fall of 2017 in the role of Assistant Professor of Music Composition and Theory.   

Dr. Eakin’s early interest in music developed into a passion for both composition and teaching. In addition to his dedication to teaching, Dr. Eakin has compiled a catalog of works that spans genres and has been nationally recognized. His curriculum vitae lists his compositions for Maya Angelou’s 80th birthday, numerous film and television scores, performances at Carnegie Hall, a soloist performance at the White House Christmas Gala, and many more.  

Dr. Eakin is currently a semi-finalist for the American Price in Composition in two divisions.  Administered by Hat City Music Theater, Inc., the American Prize recognizes excellence in a variety of categories. Dr. Eakin has two compositions competing in the Choral Competition division, Great Flowing River and #twiterlieder: 15 tweets in 3 acts.  His Symphony Americana is named in the Orchestral Composition division. Finalists will be announced in the upcoming months.

Centenary College and our students are fortunate that Dr. James Eakin chose to return to us to share his talent and passions. “Dr. Eakin has been an amazing addition to our faculty,” commented Fred Landry, Vice President for Development. “He brings a wealth of expertise to our students and remains a stalwart supporter of his alma mater.”