THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

The music department has been established as an independent department since 1962. The stated goals and objectives of the department are: 1) To provide quality education to students, and prepare them for successful careers as music educators, primarily in public schools or in private studios, and/or 2) To prepare students to successfully pursue graduate studies in music at recognized and established institutions and conservatories nationwide.

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. If not, the student is not restricted from entering the program, but is advised that he/she will have to make up deficiencies in that area before advancement in the field can be expected. It is becoming evident that due to physical, personnel and financial restraints, the music department will be required to cap enrollment at or near 200 in the near future. As implementation of such a process becomes necessary, "admission by audition" will be the policy.

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, six part-time faculty, and three adjunct positions. Within its ranks are many outstanding performers and educators, representing a broad diversification of background range 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 underwent reevaluation during the 1992-93 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.

LIBRARY FACILITIES

University Library resources are housed in Branson Hall and the new library. Its extensive music holdings include: bound volumes of scores and collected editions, books, periodicals, microfilm and microfiche. It currently subscribes to 220 music periodicals, domestic and foreign. In addition, the Department of Music has libraries of band, orchestra, jazz, vocal, and instrumental ensemble music. The Listening Library has modern listening facilities and computer terminals for self-instruction in ear training and music literature, and over 5000 recordings.

MUSIC ORGANIZATIONS

There are 15 performing ensembles with membership open to all students at the University. Participation involves concerts on campus, tours, sports events, public relations entertainment, rehearsals, and individualized instruction. University credit is given for ensemble participation. Musical organization include:

OTHER RESOURCES

A studio for electronic music makes possible exploration in electronic composition. There are 28 practice rooms, a 16-unit electronic piano lab, and a full complement of band and orchestral instruments available. The department also has a Schiedmayer Celeste, a Bosendorfer Concert Grand Piano, 2 Steinway Concert Grand Pianos, 43 practice pianos, a Wicks Practice organ, and a William Dowd Harpsichord.