School of Music
Performance. Passion. Pride.
Discover a vibrant community of performers and scholars, world-class faculty, and programs built on a strong record of success and designed to prepare musicians for careers in the 21st century.
For more than 100 years, we have provided students with an unparalleled academic and musical experience through performing, teaching, conducting and composing music. With roughly 300 music students, the School of Music offers world-class performing experiences while maintaining small class sizes that are taught by premier performers and educators who are devoted to student success.
Events, camps and workshops
Special performances
Upcoming Performances
All-Steinway School
Steinway School with Spirio Designation
East Texas A&M University was the first college or university to earn the distinction of becoming an All-Steinway School with Spirio Designation. Steinway pianos provide the highest quality experience for piano performers and audience members. They are among the world's leading manufacturers of concert instruments, and the Steinway brand is synonymous with excellence. The newly developed Spirio technology incorporates 21st-century innovation to provide an engaging teaching and learning experience for performers, audiences, teachers and students. The technology allows for interaction with pianists around the globe and across the span of time through the wireless linking of instruments.
Join the School of Music
Audition to gain acceptance to the program as a major or non-major and to become eligible for graduate assistantships and scholarships.
Explore Our Programs
Music (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Music is a liberal studies degree that can prepare you for any number of music or music-related career fields. This program allows for more flexibility for students to design their own degree program. In the BA, you will also select a minor in a different department, with the help of your academic advisor. The music BA plus a minor in a different area can lead to any number of opportunities in graduate school or career options.
Music Education (BM)
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, combined with professional education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.
Performance (BM)
Engage in a wide variety of performance opportunities. The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree develops your technical skills and abilities through large ensembles, chamber playing, solo performances and more.
Music (MM)
Students in the Master of Music program choose either an emphasis in performance (applied music or conducting) or music education. The M.M. with an emphasis in performance develops specific music skills and abilities to a high degree in the fields of instrumental and vocal performance and conducting. The M.M. with an emphasis in music education focuses on teacher training at the elementary and secondary levels.
Music (MM) Elementary Education Summer Cohort
Students in the Master of Music program choose either an emphasis in performance (applied music or conducting) or music education. The M.M. with an emphasis in performance develops specific music skills and abilities to a high degree in the fields of instrumental and vocal performance and conducting. The M.M. with an emphasis in music education focuses on teacher training at the elementary and secondary levels.
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Ensembles and Studios
Our Facilities
Our Music Building received an Outstanding Design Award from American School and University Magazine in 2012. It features state-of-the-art performance, rehearsal and instruction facilities, and is a landmark that raises the stature of the School of Music for both performance and music education.
Classrooms and Practice Rooms
The Music Building features multiple classrooms, as well as studio space and private practice rooms. These include spaces for elementary music, piano labs, percussion rooms and more.
Rehearsal Spaces
The Music Building features five dedicated rehearsal spaces for vocal and instrumental ensembles, as well as piano and electronic music labs.
Performance spaces
The Jack and Lou Finney Concert Hall seats up to 600 and has featured world-premiers of multiple works as well as the school-wide annual Holiday Gala concert. In addition, a recital hall seating 75 gives students a space to perform their solo recitals.
Music Building
The current East Texas A&M Music Building was opened in 2010. This $29 million facility is home to the university’s 300+ music students and multiple ensembles.
We are here to help!
GIVING Opportunities
When you give to the Music Excellence Fund, your tax-deductible donation will be used to assist our current and future students with critical needs including scholarships and program enhancements. Additionally, through purposeful intent, the School of Music will use your gifts to pursue new priorities and initiatives to further music education and performance that will have a lasting impact. Please contact the Office of Philanthropy and Engagement at [email protected] or 903.468.8180
Contact the School of Music
Department Head and Staff
Conducting and Ensemble Faculty
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Phillip Clements Director of Bands & Instrumental Activities
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Garth Gundersen Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Pride Marching Band
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Randall Hooper, DMA Director of Choirs and Vocal Activities
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Jack Courtright Adjunct Director of Jazz Ensembles
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Lauren R. Teel Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
Woodwinds
Brass
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Daniel Kelly, DMA Professor of Music in Trumpet | Yamaha Performing Artist
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Michael Morrow Associate Professor of Music in Horn
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Jimmy Clark Retired Assistant Professor of Music in Trombone
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Chris Oliver Adjunct Instructor of Music in Trombone
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Jeff Baker, DMA Professor of Music in Tuba and Euphonium
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Ken Drobnak, DMA Adjunct Instructor of Music in Tuba
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Melissa Ewing Adjunct Instructor of Euphonium
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Megan Boutin, DMA Assistant Professor of Music in Trombone | S.E. Shires Performing Artist
Percussion
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Brian Zator, DMA Professor of Music in Percussion | Sabian, Evans and Black Swamp Performing Artist
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Lauren R. Teel Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
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Jeff Ausdemore Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
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Tanner Leonardo Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
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William Champion Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
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Waichi Champion Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
Vocal and Opera
Keyboard
Strings
Music Theory and Music History
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Julia Bozone, DMA Associate Professor of Music in Theory and Composition
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Nathan Philipp Adjunct Instructor of Music in Theory and Theory and Ear Training
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Ryan Dahir Adjunct Instructor of Music in History
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Chad Houk Adjunct Instructor of Music in Theory and Ear Training
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Jessica Stearns, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Music in Musicology/Ethnomusicology
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Kristi Taylor Business Coordinator I, Adjunct Instructor
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Kory Reeder Adjunct Instructor of Music in Theory and Ear Training
Music Education
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Darla Meek Coordinator of Music Education
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Travis Smith Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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Evelio Villarreal Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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James Hannah Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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Steve Andre Adjunct Instructor and Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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Matthew Ochs Elementary Music Field Supervisor
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Vicky Stark Elementary Music Field Supervisor
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Ludi Srinivasan Elementary Music Adjunct Instructor
You can do it all on the ETAMU Marketplace
Pay student fees, contribute to the Music Excellence Fund, buy concert tickets and more.
Mission Statement
The School of Music at East Texas A&M University promotes excellence in music through the rigorous study of music history, literature, theory, composition, pedagogy and the preparation of music performance in applied study and ensembles to meet the highest standards of aesthetic expression.
Our Vision
The School of Music:
- Provides opportunities for all students to enhance their perception, comprehension, performance and, ultimately, appreciation of music.
- Prepares students to be leaders in music education, music performance and other related fields of the performing arts.
- Fosters creative activities and the intellectual pursuit of knowledge about music.
- Enriches the lives of the students and faculty of A&M–Commerce and the communities of the state and nation with inspirational performances and stimulating educational opportunities.
Our Values
As a school, we value
- Actionable pursuit of excellence in scholarship, pedagogy and artistry;
- Curriculum, repertoire, representation and ideas that equip students and faculty to maneuver as engaged citizens in cultural leadership and global awareness;
- Curiosity and creativity as individuals and as collaborative artists;
- Professionalism and collegiality among students, faculty, and staff, culminating in a culture of trust and mutual respect.
Accreditation
East Texas A&M University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Questions regarding accreditation may be directed to NASM:
- Address: 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248
- Phone number: 703.437.0700
- Email: [email protected]
School of Music Contact Us
Contact the Department
- School of Music
- 903.886.5303
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011