Dr. T. J. Harper is the newly appointed Director of Choral Activities at Providence  College in Providence , Rhode Island where he conducts I Cantori and the Concert Chorale, and teaches courses in Conducting and Secondary Choral Methods. Dr. Harper received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California where he graduated with honors. At the USC Thornton School of Music he taught courses in undergraduate and graduate Choral Conducting and conducted the USC Thornton Apollo Choir (Men’s Ensemble). He received the Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from California State University , Northridge and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from California State University , Fresno .

Dr. Harper is a passionate conductor and teacher with extensive experience working with choirs of all ages and levels of ability. His past appointments include The University of La Verne, Biola  University , The University of Southern California, Burbank First United Methodist Church , Canto Bello Chorale and Melodia Sinica, a Chinese-American community choir. Dr. Harper currently serves as the Treasurer for the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the College Music Society. He has taught choral music in California public schools for six years and was honored for excellence in teaching in Who’s Who Among America ’s Teachers.

As a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, MENC, the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America , the International Federation of Choral Music and the National Collegiate Choral Organization, Dr. Harper is an advocate for the promotion of undergraduate education and choral music in institutions of higher education. Dr. Harper's interests have led to extensive research of the Nazi influence on German music and the music of Hugo Distler. His dissertation entitled, Hugo Distler and the Renewal Movement in Nazi Germany focuses on the juxtaposition of Distler's personal beliefs and his political/professional obligations to the Nazi Party. Dr. Harper is also a contributing author to the recently published Student Engagement in Higher Education: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Approaches for Diverse Populations (Routledge, May 2008).