The Music Program of the Department of Fine Arts and Communication offers opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Course offerings include music theory, music education, music history and literature, as well as private instruction in keyboard, voice, guitar, woodwinds, brass and composition. The goals of the SRSU Music Program are to:

• provide exceptional educational opportunities for undergraduate students pursuing music as a major or minor;
• serve the musical needs of the university community;
• provide performance opportunities for students, faculty, and guest musicians; and
• provide outreach to the local community through mentorships with younger students as well as public concerts.

Music Faculty

Dr. Andrew Alegria, Director of Choral Activities & Vocal Studies

Mr. Steve Bennack, Guitar Studies

Dr. Karrin Ford, Director of Keyboard Studies

Dr. Jeffrey Meyer, Director of Bands and Brass Studies

Dr. Mary-Elizabeth Thompson, Director of Woodwind Studies

A Comprehensive Musical Education

The Bachelor of Music degree serves as the foundation for a career in music. This degree, coupled with the certification requirements of the Education Department, qualifies a student to teach music in private and public schools, grades K-12. Considering the increasing number of teaching positions, the BM in music with certification is the most practical degree for students with an interest in music.

Sul Ross State University also offers the BM in Music Business, as well as the BM degree in pre-music therapy. For those students not interested in certification, the music program can also prepare students for opportunities in the music field such as teaching in the private studio, music business and merchandising, music composition and arranging, and music technology. Students may also choose music as a minor. A music minor affords the student the opportunity to develop musical skills and to further explore musical creativity.

Ensembles

Performing Ensembles include University Choir, Concert Choir, Musical Theatre Ensemble (in conjunction with music theatre productions), Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Jazz and Mariachi Ensemble. These ensembles are open to both majors and non-majors.

Scholarships

Scholarship funds are readily available for those interested in participating in ensembles. Substantial scholarships are available for students who wish to major in music, or for participation in the band program.