Undine Smith Moore, a classically trained pianist, who was born in Jarrett, was hired by Virginia State College in 1927 where she spent more than 40 years composing vocal music and teaching piano, organ and music theory to students. Mrs. Moore received numerous awards throughout her life, both for her choral works and her accomplishments as a music educator, which she once called “an art in itself.” She received honorary doctorates from Indiana University and Virginia State College and a humanitarian award from Fisk University, and was named music laureate of the state of Virginia in 1975.
Other awards included the National Association of Negro Musicians Distinguished Achievement Award in 1975 and the Virginia Governor’s Award in the Arts in 1985, according to the Library of Virginia’s archives.
Often referred to as the “Dean of Black Women Composers,” Mrs. Moore began composing while at Fisk University. Although she composed works for piano and for other instrumental groups, Mrs. Moore is best known for her choral works, including “Scenes from the Life of a Martyr,” based on the works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
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VSU’s legacy of musical excellence
Earlier this year it was announced that Virginia State University was awarded the prestigious All-Steinway School designation — a recognition of their commitment to providing only pianos from the Steinway & Sons company for students and faculty to use.
