The New Mexico State University Department of Music was founded January 21, 1890 with the charge to make music a part of the lives of the students and the community. That charge has always been the underlying theme of the department. In addition, the department recognizes the historical significance of the special missions of land-grant institutions to provide a liberal and practical education for students and to sustain programs of research/creative activity and public service.

As a member department in the College of Arts and Sciences, this department offers undergraduate professional degrees in Music Education and Music Performance; liberal arts degrees in general Music, along with specialized tracks in Theater, pre-Music Therapy, and pre-Speech Language Pathology; as well as graduate degrees in Music Education, Music Performance and Conducting. Located in an architectural award winning, facility on the corner of University Avenue and Espina Street, the Music Center overlooks the broad, green, and open expanse of the University Horseshoe. The department is a long-standing, fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

The Mission of the NMSU Music Department is:

• To prepare students for professional careers and/or the pursuit of advanced degrees in music and music-related fields

• To empower our students to be life-long learners by providing a foundational education in music supported by our strong commitment to teaching, performance, research and service

• To provide impactful opportunities for our diverse student body to perform, study, create and experience music
• To serve as an artistic destination for our community at an Hispanic-serving institution in the southwest U.S. border regio

• Enhance our public presence in the region as a destination for all students and for the community as a place of artistic and musical excellence

• Lead in the development of adaptive and relevant programs and curricula based on the needs of an ever-changing society

• Raise our profile through outstanding instruction, student success and retention, faculty scholarship and performance, and the engagement of our ensembles with the community, statewide and regionally, and with all students, regardless of major 

• Foster a learning environment that recognizes the changing needs and special culture of our community, and promotes diversity and openness in our programs and instruction and in the music we study and perform

The Department of Music values:

• Access – we believe everyone in our community, regardless of background or experience, should have the opportunity to experience music in their lives

• Elevation – we believe that by offering superior musical opportunities we can improve the quality of life for students and our community

• Inclusion – we believe that individual expression and identity should be reflected in our musical experiences and is vital for both personal and institutional success