HISTORY

The music department has been an established, independent department since 1962.

New Mexico State University is the state's land-grant university, serving the educational needs of New Mexico's diverse population through comprehensive programs of education, research, extension education, and public service.

The unique elements of the original land-grant concept included providing access to a practical and liberal education for people of average means; conducting applied as well as fundamental research; and serving the people of the state through the delivery of knowledge relevant to the solution of society's problems. Land-grant universities continue to emphasize the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and its application to the solution of real-life problems, as well as the extension of the campus throughout the state to bring, on a timely basis, the latest research results to the people who need it to solve their problems and to improve their lives.

In accordance with the institutional mission, the program is designed to be accessible to students with all levels of music background, but the assumption is made that the student has experience in a specific performance area. The program is unable to accommodate students who have no previous musical training. Due to physical, personnel and financial restraints, the music department will be required to limit enrollment, therefore all students must audition for the acceptance into the program.

TODAY

The music department offers two undergraduate degrees; Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education. The Bachelor of Music Education prepares the student to work in a school setting and provides the necessary coursework for licensure by the state of New Mexico. Students may choose a vocal or instrumental concentration. The Bachelor of Music degree is designed to allow students to pursue one of the following concentrations; Vocal Performance, Instrumental Performance, Piano Performance, or Music Business. The Master of Music degree allows graduate students to pursue studies in Conducting, Performance, Music Education, or Composition.

The music department is housed in one building that consists of two rehearsal halls, one auditorium that seats 504, two dressing rooms, conference room, three classrooms that seat 30-35, four area offices, and 21 faculty offices. There are 17 full-time faculty and 11 part-time faculty. Within its ranks are many outstanding performers and educators, representing a broad diversification of background and talent. Faculty members present many solo and ensemble performances, as well as clinics and workshops, during the school year.

The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and will undergo reevaluation during this academic year. Students in the Music Education program are also under the supervision of the NMSU College of Education, and must meet requirements established by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the New Mexico State Board of Education.

All music majors begin a course of music study their freshman year that consists of five consecutive semesters of music theory, and in their sophomore year that consists of three consecutive semesters of music history. Applied lessons, ensemble performance, and recital attendance are required for each semester. Depending on the area of emphasis, the remaining music core is required accordingly. Although it is possible for students to complete the degree requirements in eight semesters, many students take nine or 10 semesters.