“When I joined the UTSA faculty in 1980, there were four buildings on campus and nothing but wooded land at the corner of De Zavala and IH-10. It’s incredible what we’ve accomplished over the decades. John Silantien, served as Director of Choral Activities. “As I retire after 38 years, I look back fondly on all the talented students and colleagues who worked to establish a conservatory at a Division I university.”
In the 1990s and 2000s, the department developed further, such as the establishment of the Institute of Music in 1991, which aimed to advance knowledge by supporting research in the fields of music psychology, music teaching and music technology . Professor in the UTSA School of Music. During this period, UTSA also underwent a major academic reorganization, transforming the Department of Music into the Department of Music. Entering the 2000s, the department launched new courses and certificates, coupled with the establishment of marching band and dance programs in 2011, reflecting the department’s growth and commitment to music education.
In 2022, the Department of Music transforms into the School of Music, a strategic enhancement that aligns UTSA with other prestigious music schools across the country, elevates its standing and adds value through its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that combines artistry with professional preparation. attractive to potential students. This year, the school established a bachelor’s degree program in commercial and digital music in response to new approaches to contemporary music and in line with the school’s mission to prepare students to work in the commercial music industry upon graduation.
“The UTSA School of Music is committed to continuing our long tradition of educating artists and bringing joy and meaning to others through music.” Tracy CowdenDean of the Conservatory of Music.
The School of Music’s impact extends beyond the classroom, contributing to San Antonio’s cultural framework and by providing lifelong learning opportunities for young children and seniors alike—through programs such as the UTSA Strings Program, the Veterans Band Program, and led by UTSA Music Alumni legacy of arts organizations.
The School of Music also engages with the community through UTSA Arts, an organized unit dedicated to community arts education, public-facing performances and exhibitions, and arts-based research and partnerships to advance public understanding of the arts. Through UTSA’s School of the Arts, the School of Music offers public experiences such as the En Vivo Concert Series and the school’s New Music Festival.
