Carl W. Haywood, a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, is a cum laude graduate of Norfolk State University and a recipient of the Master of Sacred Music (organ) and Master of Music (choral conducting) degrees from Southern Methodist University. Dr. Haywood who also received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California is recognized as a superb choral conductor/organist with superior musical acumen. His matriculation at SMU afforded him opportunities to study composition, arranging, and conducting with Lloyd Pfautsch while also serving as associate conductor-organist for the SMU Chapel under Dr. Robert Anderson and Dr. Pfautsch. It was during this tenure that he composed, arranged, conducted, and sustained the Chapel’s tradition for excellence in music. At USC, his principal teachers included Charles Hirt (choral conducting), Halsey Stevens (composition), and Ladd Thomas (organ).

Dr. Haywood, who has sustained a long tenure at Norfolk State University, is a devoted teacher and friend of students and young musicians. A dynamic advocate of NSU, he is Director of Choral Activities and conducts the NSU Concert Choir and the Spartan Chorale. Dr. Haywood frequently serves as a clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, and lecturer for schools, colleges, and churches throughout the country. He also serves as a National Conductor for the 105 Voices of History, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Choir.