The History

Charles Novell School of Music is carrying on a tradition that started in 1924 with Gospel Music legend V.O. Stamps. It was known then as the Stamps School of Music. In 1962 the World Famous Blackwood Brothers bought The Stamps Music Company and School. In 1967 the name was changed to the Blackwood Stamps School. J.D. Sumner, bass singer with the Blackwood Brothers had Charles Novell to head up the school and take the challenge of keeping the school up and running. This was in 1978 where the school was being held at Murray State University in Murray, Ky. At this point the name was changed to Charles Novell School of Music. 2003 marked the 25th Anniversary of that event and found the school returning to Murray State University for the 25th Anniversary Celebration. We will be returning once again to Murray, Ky  for the summer session. We will be back staying in Regents Hall, and holding concerts in Mason Auditorium. Many former Staff members will be returning to this year’s school.

For over 30 years CNSM has continued training many people for the Lord’s work. The following list is a few of the people who have attended this great school and have gone on into full time Gospel careers. Ivan Parker (Gold City) , Garry Shepphard (Kingsmen and Perfect Heart), Dean Hopper ( The Hoppers), Amy Lambert (The Greenes), Patii Carpenter ( the Rambos), John Mays (Word & Sparrow Inc.), Dave Clark (The Speers, Benson Music), Rob Novell (Perfect Heart), Kevin Metz ( The Nelons, Perfect Heart), Rober Wiles (Imperials), Craig Nobles (Karen Peck & New River), Derrick Selph (The Dixie Melody Boys), Jason Sclph (Kingsmen & Carolina Boys), Adam Borden (Gold City), and Jason Clark (The Nelons).

Many of today’s Gospel Music Artists were discovered at Charles Novell School of Music. There is hardly a week that goes by that CNSM does not receive a call from someone in Gospel Music asking for referrals. CNSM can help you reach your dreams!!!