department of music
Our Mission
The University of New Mexico Department of Music aims to provide the highest quality musical education, in order to make a substantial contribution to the cultural life of its region and the world by reinforcing the integral value of music in society.
We strive to give each student a first-rate musical education under the guidance of our dynamic artist faculty, and a well-balanced program among the disciplines of performance, music education, theory and composition, jazz studies, string pedagogy, conducting and musicology.
Accredited Degrees
Our programs strive to develop the complete musician, one who is not solely interested in his or her primary instrument, but one who engages the world around them with and through their music
Academics >
Concentration Areas
Our wide range of concentrations creates a diverse and exciting educational environment, one that allows students to explore their creative potential
Our Areas >
Community Outreach
The Department of Music at the University of New Mexico is highly engaged with the Albuquerque Arts community. This engagement goes far beyond the hundreds of concerts and musical events it hosts annually
Outreach Programs > | Public Events
Watch: All about our program
Auditions & Scholarships
The University of New Mexico Department of Music has many generous scholarship and assistantship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students interested in a music education at UNM.
Performances & Events
Our students and faculty regularly perform music in the Center for the Arts’ Keller Hall
Guests to UNM are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours.
Masks are to be worn at all times by everyone regardless of vaccination status.
Musicology students present their research at UNM 2023 Musicology Student Symposium
Musicology students present their research at UNM 2023 Musicology Student Symposium How can music be used to revitalize a language? How can opera be a journey of healing from trauma? How does a popular music genre interact with the Mexican drug war? How can hyperpop...
UNM Ethnomusicology and Anthropology professor, Kristina Jacobsen, reflects on her recent trip to South Africa with the Diné-led jazz trio, DDAT
How a Song Bridged Diné and Ndebele Worlds An anthropologist recounts a magical moment of songwriting collaboration between Diné (Navajo) and Ndebele artists gathered for the WOMAD Festival in South Africa. By Kristina Jacobsen Originally published November 30, 2022,...
Visiting Scholar Dr. Javier Marín-López to present on Colonial and Baroque Music in the Americas
Visiting Scholar Dr. Javier Marín-López to present on Colonial and Baroque Music in the Americas Visiting Scholar Dr. Javier Marín-López, Professor of Musicology at the University of Jaén, Spain, will present two lectures at UNM this month. He is a scholar specialized...

From the Chair
“Welcome to the Department of Music at UNM! The Department of Music combines a comprehensive faculty of highly regarded performers, scholars, and educators with a talented and energetic student body to create an environment of artistic discovery and expression. Our wide range of concentrations and course offerings provides students with a dynamic educational environment and many opportunities to explore and expand their artistic horizons.
Whether your career goals are to compose, teach, study, or perform music professionally, or if you want to keep music as an integral part of your life as you pursue your other studies, there is a place for you in the University of New Mexico Department of Music.”
—Michael Hix, Interim Chairperson, Department of Music
Department of Music
MSC04 2570
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Phone: (505)277-2126
Email: music@unm.edu