Associate Professor | Morningside University

Joshua Hawkins Nannestad is tenured Associate Professor and Director of Music Education at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, where he teaches methods, literature, and music history. As Associate Director of Choral Activities, he conducts the Morningside Cantabile and the Symphonic Chorus.

A lifelong church musician, he has served a variety of roles in Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopalian, and UCC congregations, often alongside his wife Joanna Hawkins Nannestad.

Organizations | KWIT, SCCMS, SHARE, OkCDA, OAI

Dr. Nannestad currently sits on the boards of KWIT/Siouxland Public Media and the Sioux City Chamber Music Society. He previously served as President of the board of SHARE, the Southeastern Hub for Arts Resources in Education, and as accompanist for the SHARE Children's Choir. He has served as the College and University Resource & Repertoire chair for the Oklahoma Choral Directors Association, as well as a member of the Music Advisory Panel for the Oklahoma Arts Institute.

Honors and Awards

• Faculty Senate Award for Excellence in Scholarship, SOSU School of Arts and Sciences, 2019.

• Faculty Senate Award for Excellence in Teaching, SOSU School of Arts and Sciences, 2018.

• Richard Kegerreis Scholar, Eastern Division ACDA, 2010.

• Allen Lannom Award for Young Conductors, Massachusetts ACDA, 2006.

Prior Experience

HIs first full-time posting in higher education was at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he served as Assistant Professor, and then tenured Associate Professor of Choral Music Education. Nannestad conducted the Symphonic Chorus, supervised choral student teachers, and taught methods, literature, aural skills, and music history to undergrads and masters students.

Before returning to Oklahoma (his third tour living in the Sooner State!), Josh Nannestad was based in the Boston area. He served 14 years in the public schools of Milford, MA, running the high school choral program, serving as music director and conductor of the MHS Theater Workshop for eight years, and teaching K-2 classroom music daily. As he learned from generous and accomplished colleagues, Nannestad was able to bring memorable experiences to his students: a masterclass from Simon Carrington of the King's Singers, a commission of a new choral work, a visit from a touring Australian choir, performances with the local symphony orchestra, and a department-wide performance of Carmina Burana.

Nannestad also conducted the Gordon College Choir for several semesters; planned, coordinated, and co-directed the Gordon Christmas Gala; and guest conducted throughout New England. A lifelong church musician, he spent 10 years as Director of Music at the First Parish of Westwood, MA. He has experience serving in Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, and UCC churches.

Education + Family

Dr. Joshua Nannestad holds degrees from Boston University (DMA in Choral Conducting, student of Ann Howard Jones), Gordon College (Master of Music Education, student of Kenneth Phillips), and Saint Olaf College (Bachelor of Music Education, student of Anton Armstrong). He has been privileged to sing as a member of the Saint Olaf Choir, the National Lutheran Choir, and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. He is the proud father of Miriam and Moses and the lucky husband of Joanna.

New Music Commissions

2024 Nancy Hill Cobb: Jubilant!

2023 David Sims: Heaven, As At Some Festival

2023 Tim Takach Circling the Sun

2022 Jim Coyle (arr.) Sans Day Carol

2022 Alexandre Cote Looking at the Moon

2013 Eva Kendrick Those Lips That Love’s Own Hand Did Make

2005 Alice Parker We Look Down Deep To Look Out Far