Dr. Ricky Spears is the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He holds degrees from Morehead State University (BME '08), Eastern Kentucky University (MM '11), and the University of Oklahoma (DMA '23). 

An accomplished trumpeter in orchestral and commercial music, Dr. Spears has performed with artists such as the Temptations, The Four Tops, Dave Koz, Wycliff Gordan, Sandi Patty, Kyle Dillingham, Lucas Ross, Susan Powell, Sherman Andrus, and recently can be found on the 20th anniversary album of “Celtic Woman”.  

Before beginning his career in academia, Dr. Spears toured as a professional musician for various Broadway productions, including Beauty and the Beast, Elf, A Christmas Story, and the International Shanghai tour of A Chorus Line. He also lived and performed in Macau, China, as part of Dragone - Cirque De Soleil show “Taboo”. 
 
In addition to his academic and performing roles, Dr. Spears leads successful collegiate and high school trumpet studios. His students routinely compete in the National Trumpet Competition, perform regularly as freelance musicians, and maintain professional summer work as performers and teachers. Dr. Spears' dynamic and inspirational teaching style has made him a highly sought-after teacher for trumpet players of all ages and abilities.  

A native of Ashland, Kentucky, Dr. Spears resides in Carbondale, Illinois with his wife Brittainy, and their three daughters, Eden, Claire, and Norah.