Texas A&M University-Commerce's Department of Music is set to undergo a significant transformation as it transitions to become the School of Music, effective September 1, 2024.
The decision to elevate the department's status was greenlit by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in January 2024.
Having received accreditation since 1969, Texas A&M-Commerce has a rich history of offering music courses for over a century. With a student body of over 250 individuals, the department caters to aspiring musicians specializing in various disciplines such as vocals, percussion, piano, brass, and woodwind instruments. Additionally, a Guitar Performance program is on the horizon, slated to commence in Fall 2024.
Dr. Eric Branscome, the head of the Department of Music, expressed that the aspiration to attain the status of a School of Music has been a longstanding goal, initially proposed over a decade ago. The formal process for this transition began in the last year, involving rigorous approvals at the university level before reaching THECB in August 2023.
Branscome emphasized that achieving the designation of a School of Music signifies a higher level of distinction for A&M-Commerce, enhancing its appeal to prospective students. He highlighted the institution's commitment to nurturing future music educators while also welcoming performance-oriented students.
The redesignation announcement was unveiled to A&M-Commerce music students and alumni during the annual Texas Music Educators Association convention held in San Antonio, Texas, in February. This event provided an opportunity for current students and alumni to connect with the university.
“We don't intend for this longstanding goal of ours to be an endpoint, but the starting point of something even greater at A&M-Commerce,” Branscome said. “We have to keep evolving, expanding our curriculum and more to maintain relevance.”
An inaugural concert is in the pipeline for Fall 2024 to commemorate the official redesignation as the A&M-Commerce School of Music, with further details to be disclosed later this year.
Learn more about Music at A&M-Commerce.
