The UNM Department of Music was recently approved for a 10-year re-accreditation by the National Association Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation.
According to the report submitted by the commission, "The commission commends the institution and the music unit for an excellent self-study and optional response, noting in particular its progress in meeting technology standards and in increasing support for athletic bands."
The committee's decision came after a team visited the University in November and officially granted the music program's approval at its November 2002 meeting.
Stephen Block, chairman of the Department of Music, said that the department was easily accredited, even though the program does not have sufficient funds. He added that UNM was one of the few music programs that "passed through without questions."
According to the report, the commission also approved two new degree programs, including a Bachelor of Music in String Pedagogy and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies.
According to its Web site, 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.
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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.
The music program currently offers four bachelor's degrees, six master's degrees and a Music Preparatory School program.
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 a principal cellist with the National Symphony of Korea.
The Web site states that the department's orchestras, bands, choruses, jazz ensembles, opera program and student/faculty chamber ensembles have received national and international recognition. Also, the recently implemented jazz studies program adds greater diversity to the department's curriculum by encouraging an open-minded attitude toward the diverse array of music with which students will deal in society.
The department 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.
"We have great faculty and we're meeting standards in the body of the schools that are being credited," Block said. "Our programs are meeting standards at a national level."
