Mission of the School of Music
The School of Music at West Texas A&M University prepares undergraduate and graduate students for careers in music in a student-centered, experiential learning environment. By fostering outstanding performance and academic rigor and recognizing musical expression in culture, the School of Music promotes excellence in education for all musical endeavors.
The School of Music offers professional training in performance, conducting, composition, music education, music therapy, and music industry and technology, with emphasis on creative entrepreneurship and future success in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.
The School of Music supports the university’s mission to provide a cultural center for a multi-state region, serving the university, community, and region with a large number of public performances and educational opportunities.
School Goals
To develop highly skilled musicians through rigorous class work, applied lessons and ensemble performance on a level that ranks among the best programs in the country.
To seek and enroll qualified music students to maintain a comprehensive music program that embraces a wide range of musical expression, fosters creativity and originality, promotes individual growth, serves the university and community, and graduates well-rounded and highly skilled musicians.
To maintain and support an outstanding artist/scholar faculty of sufficient size and specialization to assure an outstanding and well-rounded education to the students.
To encourage professional growth of the faculty by rewarding excellent teaching, supporting external performance opportunities, and encouraging scholarly research and publication, all in a supportive environment, so as to be exemplary role models for the students.
School Objectives and Student Outcomes
Prior to the completion of their studies, students will have:
- attained mastery of basic musicianship including theory, aural skills, keyboard competency, conducting, and knowledge of music history and literature.
- demonstrated proficiency in individual performance at a level appropriate to their career goals.
- participated in a variety of ensembles large and small as appropriate to their primary and secondary instruments.
- performed in major concerts on campus, in the community and/or on tours in the region.
- had the opportunity to study and/or tour abroad.
- presented a capstone project in the form of a recital, performance of compositions, production of an audio recording, or a music therapy demonstration, accompanied by a scholarly component, as appropriate.
Upon or after graduation, students will:
- be able to successfully pass teacher certification exams or board certification in music therapy.
- be prepared to enter the job market in a music-related career.
- be able to matriculate to graduate study in music or another discipline.
- secure employment in another field of interest.