Joseph Spearman is a DMA student studying percussion performance with Dr. Susan Powell. At Ohio State, he serves as a graduate teaching associate in Music Theory and Aural Skills and as an assistant director of The Ohio State University Percussion Ensemble.

Joseph’s current interests include commissioning and composing works for percussion which involve narrative/text in their processes or performance. His performance experiences span multiple styles of music and include performing with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, playing drum set in the Nashville rock scene, and participating in solo percussion competitions.

Prior to attending Ohio State, Joseph attended Belmont University where he earned his master’s degree in music performance. While at Belmont, he served as a graduate teaching assistant in both the percussion and music theory areas, teaching applied lessons, percussion ensemble and music theory fundamentals. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of South Carolina along with a performance certificate. His past teachers include Christopher Norton, Scott Herring, Gordon Hicken and Todd Kemp.