Goals And Accomplishments

Updated, April 2025

Advocacy across campus and in the community

  • Investigate how students who participate in music compare to overall student body regarding graduation rates, GPA, etc. (on going)
  • Advocate – President, Provost, Dean and ASMSU College Representative (on going)
  • Advocate – We serve a greater number of non-music majors compared to music majors (NASM Visitor’s Report). How many times have we heard students majoring in programs across campus state: "Without music, I wouldn't be here at MSU!" (on going)
  • Update Website with current information (Spring 2026)

Faculty

  • TT Music Education Faculty (Priority Hire)
  • Develop and publish a Faculty Handbook (Spring 2025)
  • Develop a community of faculty that includes representation from Montana and MSU protected classes (on going)

Staff Accompanists

  • Investigate funding availability for Staff Accompanist (on going)

Student Accompanists

  • Investigate funding through course fees (on going)

Bachelor of Music Arts Proposal

  • BOR Approval (Fall 2025)
  • NASM New Program Approval (Summer 2026)

 New Degree/Minor/Certificate Exploration

  • Certificates in Music and Music Technology (Spring 2026)
  • BM in Music Therapy (on going)
  • MM in Music Technology - Online (on going)
  • Graduate Performance Certificate/MM in Music Performance (on going)

Curriculum Development

  • Evaluate B.A. in Music Technology Curriculum (Spring 2026)
  • Investigate development of RA/RH CORE course focused on the creation of electronic music. (Fall 2025)
  • Investigate integrating health and wellness into the music curriculum in a more substantial way (Spring 2026)

Student Recruitment

  • Investigate matriculation relationship with NorthWest College – Powell, WY - Music Technology (Spring 2026)
  • Increase enrollment in the Spirit of the West Marching Band to 250 Students (Fall 2030)
  • Increase enrollment at the School of Music - 200 undergraduate/graduate music majors (2030)
  • Coordinate with admissions on recruitment events that coincide with student and faculty ensemble travel (on going)
  • Promote awareness of recruitment activities and scholarships awarded by the school in support of the entire campus (on going)

Scholarships/Fundraising

  • Develop a plan and coordinate regularly with foundation on alumni events that coincide with large ensemble travel. (Fall 2024) – (On Going)
  • MSU Foundation - Including alumni music majors, minors, and non-majors who performed in SoM ensembles and/or benefited from music scholarships in fundraising activities for the School of Music. (Fall 2024) – current information going back to 2010 – Plans to go back to the 1970’s, if possible, currently requesting a decade at a time.
  • Scholarship Goal: $2.5 million to generate $100,000 per year in scholarships. Awarded to students studying in ANY major to participate in musical opportunities for the betterment of campus life (Fall 2030) – As of Summer 2025, $875K raised in endowed and estate gifts

Student Persistence/Retention

  • Evaluate student ensemble enrollments that are in addition to music degree requirements and the effect these enrollments may have on persistence/retention and time to graduation. (ongoing) – currently working with VP of student success
  • Evaluate number of credits earned by graduating undergraduates and the effects additional credits may have on persistence/retention and time to graduation. (ongoing)
  • Continue to develop and refine curriculum to support students in their education, degree, and career goals. (on going)

Facilities

  • Advocate for Howard Hall Improvements through Facilities Management and LRBP Process – NASM standards for Facilities, Equipment, Technology, Health, and Safety (see NASM Handbook 2022-23, Standards for Accreditation II.F.). (Summer 2024) – On Going
  • Gianforte Hall – Music Technology (Opening Fall 2026)
  • Advocate for additional facilities – New or Repurposed - Sherrick Hall, McCall Hall? (on going) – Acquired Culbertson Hall Basement (Old Print Shop)

Outreach

  • Develop a program for k-12 students across MT to study their applied instrument/voice with current music students (Spring 2026) – On Going
  • Increase funding for faculty/student ensemble outreach/recruitment travel (on going)

Accomplishments (2024 - Present)

  • Recruit and hire a TT Music Technology Faculty member who compliments the expertise of current faculty and supports the development of the music technology program. (Spring 2024) – Accomplished Spring 2024
  • Development of school mentorship program with required participation for pre-tenure and NTT faculty during their first 3 years of service. (Spring 2024) – Accomplished Spring, 2025
  • Bachelor of Music Arts Proposal - Complete Request to Plan process – Board of Regents (Fall 2024) – Accomplished Spring 2025
  • Bachelor of Music Arts Proposal - Submit Degree Plan (Spring 2025) – Accomplished Spring 2025
  • Investigate Applied Technology Studio/Ensemble (Spring/Summer 2024) – Accomplished Fall 2024
  • Discuss health and safety and protective measures with all students enrolled in Music Seminar and all ensembles, including music majors and non-majors. (Fall 2024) – Accomplished Fall 2024
  • Produce a short video addressing health and safety concerns and prevention - presented to all students enrolled in our ensembles on the first day of class each semester. Include a link in all syllabi. (Fall 2024) – Accomplished Fall 2024
  • University Approval for the submitted changes in the Music History Curriculum. (Fall 2024) – Accomplished Fall 2024
  • University Approval for the submitted “MSU String Orchestra” course. (Fall 2024) – Accomplished Fall 2024
  • Complete the integration of the new Theory/Aural Skills Curriculum. (Spring 2025) – Accomplished Spring 2025
  • Evaluate Music Education Curriculum - investigate a robust Music Technology methods course and training to provide a wide array of musical offerings in K-12 music programs (Spring 2025) – Accomplished Fall 2025
  • Investigate proposing Marching Band as an IA CORE course, (Fall 2024) – Accomplished Spring 2025
  • Consider increasing general admission concert tickets from $10 to $15 for flagship large ensembles. (Fall 2024) – Accomplished Fall 2024
  • Develop plan for funding of off-campus performance venue rental for large ensemble performances (Spring 2025) – Accomplished Spring 2025
  • Update Music Student Handbook to include information regarding accompanists and piano collaborators. Things to consider when using services and entering into contracts/written agreements. – (Fall 2025) – Accomplished Summer 2025
  • Increase enrollment in the Spirit of the West Marching Band to 200 Students (Fall 2024) - Accomplished Fall 2025