|
| COURSES | DEPARTMENTS | DEGREES | EVENTS | FACULTY | |
|
The mission of the Department of Music is to provide the highest quality musical education and to make a substantial contribution to the cultural life of its region and the world by reinforcing the integral value of music in society. Successful graduates of the department include a celebrated singer with the Metropolitan Opera, principal second violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, an Outstanding Teacher of the Year in the New Mexico Public Schools, and principal cellist with the National Symphony of Korea.
Seminars, masterclasses and performances by distinguished artists and scholars such as harpsichordist Igor Kipnis, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, flutist Julius Baker, guitarist Sharon Isbin, the vocal ensemble Quink, chamber orchestra I Solisti de Zagreb and ethnomusicologist Bruno Nettl are examples of the kinds of events that await students in the department. The annual Composer's Symposium has brought to UNM such composers as John Cage, George Crumb, Lukas Foss, Vincent Persichetti, Ned Rorem, Libby Larsen, John Harbison and Joan Tower. The Department of Music trains professional musicians in music education, performance and research. Additionally, there is much persuasive evidence that preparation for the profession of music also contributes to success in professions such as medicine, law, business and higher education. Music study at the University of New Mexico is based upon a tradition that nurtures scholarship, promotes performance, and encourages creativity. |
The department is recognized for its nationally and internationally recognized teaching and performing faculty, plus its well balanced program in music education, performance, conducting, theory/composition and music history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Our orchestras, bands, choruses, jazz ensembles, opera program, and student/faculty chamber ensembles have received national and international recognition. The jazz studies program adds greater diversity to the department's curricula by encouraging an open-minded attitude toward the diverse array of music with which students will deal in society. 