Are you ready for life-altering musical experiences?
The University of New Mexico Department of Music aims to provide the highest quality musical education, in order to make a substantial contribution to the cultural life of its region and the world by reinforcing the integral value of music in society.
Our programs strive to develop the complete musician, one who is not solely interested in his or her primary instrument, but one who engages the world around them with and through their music.
Collaborative Piano
Explores communication through the dialogue of music, as a critical part of becoming a knowledgeable, creative, and expressive artist
Conducting
Exciting opportunities for aspiring students to earn a MM in conducting while being mentored by some of the best teachers in the southwest
Jazz Studies
A comprehensive education in the improvisational techniques of the quintessential American art form
Music Education
A comprehensive curriculum in music education to realize your full potential as a music teacher
Musicology
The Musicology program seeks an interdisciplinary approach to the study of music in culture, welcoming a variety of scholarly projects and pursuits
Performance
UNM has the largest performance faculty in the state, and students in all degree plans have access to one-on-one instruction on their instrument
String Pedagogy
Study privately with our outstanding applied faculty and perform in the UNM Symphony Orchestra in this rigorous and comprehensive program
Theory & Composition
Flexibly constructed curriculum allows students to create a pathway best suited to their short-term and long-term musical goals
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
—Victor Hugo
Department of Music Events
Produced by our dynamic students and faculty, the College of Fine Arts proudly presents over 200 public performances, exhibitions, installations & art lectures annually.
Degrees in Music
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance (Instrumental)
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance (Keyboard)
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance (Vocal)
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Jazz Studies
Bachelor of Music (BM) in String Pedagogy
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Theory & Composition
Bachelor of Music Education (BME) with Instrumental Concentration
Bachelor of Music Education (BME) with Vocal Concentration
Bachelor of Arts (BAIA) in Interdisciplinary Arts
Minor in Music
Minor in Music Education
—concentrations in Collaborative Piano, Conducting, Musicology, Music Education, Performance, String Pedagogy, Theory & Composition, and Woodwinds
From the Chair
“Welcome to the Department of Music at UNM! The Department of Music combines a comprehensive faculty of highly regarded performers, scholars, and educators with a talented and energetic student body to create an environment of artistic discovery and expression. Our wide range of concentrations and course offerings provides students with a dynamic educational environment and many opportunities to explore and expand their artistic horizons.
Whether your career goals are to compose, teach, study, or perform music professionally, or if you want to keep music as an integral part of your life as you pursue your other studies, there is a place for you in the University of New Mexico Department of Music.”
—Eric Lau, Chair, Department of Music
Because It’s Time: Unraveling Race and Place in NM
Because It’s Time: Unraveling Race and Place in NM examines race and identity in New Mexico and is a space for artistic expression that grapples with the complexities of who we are, how we are understood, and how that impacts the way we live (or don’t) in a variety of places.
UNM professors take the stage in Granada
Their performance, Nueva Música de Nuevo México, will connect new music from New Mexico with an international audience, and bring selected John Donald Robb Field Recordings of historical New Mexican folk music back to Spain as part of the world premiere of a new composition.
Making movie magic, like a girl
University of New Mexico alumna Carol Payne banded together with her colleagues at Industrial Light & Magic to create Women in VFX, a series that highlights women working in visual effects for film and television.
Contact the Department of Music
How to Apply
• All students must be admitted to the University, whether as an incoming freshman, transfer student, or non-degree student. Apply online through the Admissions Department at UNM
•After meeting all CFA admission requirements, students must apply to become a declared major.
Academic Advisement
The College of Fine Arts Student Success & Advisement Center is committed to serve the UNM community with compassion, guidance, and respect as we promote academic excellence.
To speak with a CFA advisor, please call (505) 277-4817.