Dr. Marques J. Ruff

Coordinator of Vocal Music Education

Associate Director of Choral Activities

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Education

• Ph.D., Florida State University, Music Education
• M.M., University of Missouri - Columbia, Choral Conducting
• M.M., University of Missouri - Columbia, Vocal Performances
• B.A., Central Connecticut State University, Music Education & Vocal Performance

Teaching Specialties

• Choral Music Education
• Conducting
• Music History
• Choral Ensembles

Research Interests

• Historical Musicology
• Choral Literature
• Pre-Service Teacher Education

Affiliations

• American Choral Directors Association
• National Association of Negro Musicians
• Society of Pi Kappa Lambda
• Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

Curriculum Vitae

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Biography

Marques J. Ruff is the Associate Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Arkansas State University, where he brings a deep commitment to both academic instruction and practical choral leadership. With years of experience in teaching middle school choir and choral music education at the collegiate level, he strives to foster a holistic and inclusive approach to music teaching that bridges the classroom and the stage.

Dr. Ruff conducts two dynamic choral ensembles at the university: Scarlet Voices, a treble choir that showcases the rich diversity of soprano and alto voices, and United Voices, A-State’s gospel choir founded in 1969, known for its vibrant energy and deep cultural expression. Under his leadership, these ensembles perform regularly, offering students a platform to develop both their vocal technique and performance skills.

In the classroom, Dr. Ruff teaches a range of courses designed to prepare future music educators. His courses include Introduction to K-12 Music Education, Methods and Materials for Choral Education, Vocal Techniques for Instrumentalists, Elementary Conducting, and the Music Teacher Internship in the Secondary School, where he mentors students in real-world teaching experiences. Through these courses, he emphasizes a practical, student-centered approach to music education, preparing his students to lead choral programs with confidence and creativity.

In addition to his teaching and conducting, Dr. Ruff is an active member of the university’s faculty governance, currently serving as the Chair of the music department’s undergraduate curriculum committee, and as a member of both the infrastructure committee and the university curriculum committee. Through these roles, he works to enhance the academic and structural development of the music department and broader university community.

Dr. Ruff completed his undergraduate degree at Central Connecticut State University where he studied Music Education and Vocal Performance, he earned dual master’s degrees in Choral Conducting and Voice Performance at the University of Missouri, and a Ph.D. in Music Education at Florida State University. He is a proud member of the American Choral Director’s Association, the National Association of Negro Musicians, American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.