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UT Tyler Music Program Receives National Accreditation

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January 30, 2014

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

January 30, 2014

The University of Texas at Tyler School of Performing Arts’ music program has received full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music, Dr. Alisa White, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, announced.

The National Association of Schools of Music serves as the national accrediting agency for music and music-related disciplines among collegiate and postsecondary schools.

“We are very proud of this accomplishment. Achieving NASM accreditation is a significant external affirmation of the quality of our music program,” said Dr. Michael Thrasher, UT Tyler associate professor and school director.

The association recognized UT Tyler’s music program after a careful self-study examination, full on-site peer review and final vote by the association’s commission.

The UT Tyler School of Performing Arts offers both the bachelor of music and bachelor of arts in music. Graduates go on to become successful music teachers, performers and church musicians. Many pursue graduate studies as well.

For more information about the UT Tyler music program, visit http://www.uttyler.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors/music-bm-degree.php.

NASM institutional membership means investing in the stature and health of the profession, in the maintenance of conditions and resources necessary for student learning and in a system of national review and accountability.

Standards create a framework of basic competencies and operational conditions rather than a blueprint for standardizing programs. The approach to the approval process is based on support for each institution’s fulfillment of its mission, goals and objectives.

NASM member institutions develop national accreditation standards and guidelines in consultation with other individuals and organizations. They promote good decisions, focusing on artistic and educational essentials.

Through NASM, its member institutions have a common means for centering critical responsibility for standards and assessment in music while respecting the prerogatives of individual institutions and faculty members to create, develop and evaluate local programs.

The association also produces statistical research, provides professional development for leaders of music schools and engages in policy analysis.

For more information about the association, visit http://www.arts-accredit.org/.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 7,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.