Matthew Koester, a third year music performance major studying with Dr. Eric Lau attended the American Saxophone Academy at the Eastman School of Music this summer. This event is one of the most highly regarded options for summer study of classical saxophone.
At the ASA five saxophone professors from around the Untied States gather at The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. The faculty for this highly competitive program consist of Chien-Kwan Lin from the Eastman School of Music, Carrie Koffman from The Hartt School, Tim McAllister from The University of Michigan, Kenneth Tse from The University of Iowa, and Otis Murphy from Indiana University. Students enrolled in the ASA program participate in individual lessons, group lessons, quartet coachings, and large ensemble rehearsals with each of the esteemed faculty. The opportunity to meet and interact with this many teachers of this quality is unparalleled anywhere in the United States.
Matt was also fortunate enough to connect with his peers from other institution across the US. This opportunity will undoubtedly yield life long colleagues and friends. After the experience Matt said, “I was extremely impressed with the professionalism and organized manner in which The Eastman School of Music conducted its summer program. With a vast offering of courses that extend well beyond saxophone, I would highly recommend the Eastman summer sessions to any serious musician looking to increase their skills and broaden their current perspective.”
UNM strings faculty sign historic agreement with Chinese Conservatory
University of New Mexico string faculty members Carmelo de los Santos, professor of violin and Christoph Wagner, assistant professor of cello and head of strings, traveled to China recently to formalize a landmark international partnership between the UNM College of Fine Arts and the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music (ZJCM), one of China’s leading institutions for higher music education.
UNM’s Abe Franck String Quartet completes first residency at China’s Zhejiang Conservatory
A new exchange program has been solidified that opens doors for all College of Fine Arts students
NM Organ Instructor to make Carnegie Hall Conducting début
Dr. Maxine Thevenot, who teaches organ in the UNM Department of Music will be making her Carnegie Hall conducting début on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in a concert that brings together choral and orchestral musicians from across America, including members of local...
UNM to Host “Organ Plus” Concert in Partnership with American Guild of Organists
The University of New Mexico Department of Music will partner with the American Guild of Organists, Albuquerque Chapter, to present Organ Plus, a special concert event at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Keller Hall at the UNM Center for the Arts. The...
A major new operatic work by Peter Gilbert has made its international debut
A major new operatic work by University of New Mexico Department of Music Professor Peter Gilbert has made its international debut at the renowned Schwetzingen Festspiele. Malina, composed by Gilbert with his wife Karola Obermüller (a former UNM faculty member),...
Student Perspective: UNM Athletic Bands
A UNM music student shares an insider look at performing with the Soundpack at the Mountain West basketball tournament, highlighting the energy, community, and traditions that define athletic bands. From fan events to game-day performances, the experience showcases how music unites fans, players, and performers. Ultimately, it reflects the pride and lasting connections built through being part of UNM Athletics.
UNM Department of Music Presents Multimedia Premiere Honoring New Mexican WWII Legacy
The University of New Mexico Department of Music will present a powerful new multimedia performance, El Sendero del Abuelo, a deeply personal and historically resonant work by UNM Mariachi faculty member Robert L. Lucero Jr. The production transforms a New Mexican...
UNM Alum Rafael Videira Named Executive Director of the International Suzuki Association
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — University of New Mexico alum Rafael Videira, DMA, has been named Executive Director of the International Suzuki Association (ISA), marking a major milestone in a career devoted to music education, performance, and international collaboration. A...
Professor Ana Alonso-Minutti Receives Ovation Award
Dr. Ana Alonso-Minutti, Professor of Musicology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 OVPR Ovation Award for Research and Scholarship. This prestigious recognition, presented by the Office of the Vice President for Research at The University of New Mexico,...
Dr. Peter Gilbert Honored with UNM Research and Creative Works Leadership Award
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Dr. Dr. Peter Gilbert, Associate Professor of Theory & Composition in the UNM Department of Music, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Research and Creative Works Leadership Award at the University of New Mexico. The award recognizes recently promoted faculty who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in research and creative work. Nominees are selected by the provost following a rigorous external review of their scholarly and artistic contributions.