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Tennessee State University is dedicated to helping students develop the skills needed for the real world. Our vibrant campus life, leadership opportunities, rigorous academic programs, access to scholarships and student services are just a few of the student services we offer. We are preparing career-ready professionals today for knowledge-based jobs tomorrow. The Tiger legacy continues with you.
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At Tennessee State University, our blood runs blue! We enjoy connecting, socializing and sharing news about the great things our alumni are doing across the globe. From our annual Homecoming celebration to donor events and volunteer activities, TSU alumni always find time to celebrate what it means to be a Big Blue Tiger. We welcome you back to campus anytime to rekindle your most memorable experiences.
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Welcome to Tennessee State University, located in the heart of Nashville, one of the nation's most progressive cities! Whether you are here for your first visit, planning a campus tour or returning after many years away, TSU welcomes you to enjoy our facilities, hospitality and our unique history and contributions.
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Tennessee State University is proud to have 1,200 distinguished administrators, faculty and staff members as part of our team. With outstanding reputations for teaching, research and service, these professionals make valuable contributions to our community of scholars and ensure that TSU is a thriving public institution of higher learning.

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> Emily Kirss

Emily Verschoor-Kirss

Emily Kirss

Emily Verschoor-Kirss is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator who earned her Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Louisiana State University and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Education and Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College. Emily has served on faculty as adjunct professor of saxophone at several middle Tennessee universities, and maintains a private studio in the surrounding Nashville area.

A true modern freelancer, Emily wears many hats, including as a touring and session musician, arranger, bandleader, woodwind doubler, and private instructor. Her educational insights are highly sought-after as a clinician throughout Middle Tennessee and her students have achieved success at festivals, competitions, and in pursuit of post-secondary performance degrees. She prides herself on teaching true artistry by creating a thorough foundation in sound production and technique fundamentals to unlock the unique expressive capabilities of each individual student musician. Emily’s pedagogical methods and theories are derived from studies with her primary mentors Dr. Frederick L Hemke, Dr. Griffin Campbell, and Dr. Joshua Thomas.