National Association of Schools of Music

National Association of Schools of Music is an organization that establishes standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Composition, and other fields of music. The organization was founded in 1924 by a group of institutions, including the Curtis Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, and Juilliard School, with the goal of promoting excellence in music education. The National Association of Schools of Music works closely with other organizations, such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the Music Teachers National Association, to advance the field of music education. The organization is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the primary accrediting agency for music programs in the United States.

● History

The National Association of Schools of Music was established in 1924, with the initial meeting taking place at the University of Michigan. The organization's early members included the New England Conservatory, Northwestern University, and University of Southern California. Over the years, the organization has grown to include over 650 institutions, including the Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Peabody Institute. The National Association of Schools of Music has worked with other organizations, such as the American Musicological Society and the Society for Ethnomusicology, to promote research and scholarship in music. The organization has also collaborated with institutions, such as the Cleveland Institute of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, to develop new programs and curricula in music.

● Accreditation

The National Association of Schools of Music is recognized as the primary accrediting agency for music programs in the United States. The organization accredits institutions, such as the University of North Texas, University of Texas at Austin, and Yale University, that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in music. The accreditation process involves a self-study by the institution, followed by a site visit by a team of evaluators from the National Association of Schools of Music. The organization works closely with other accrediting agencies, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, to ensure that music programs meet high standards of quality. The National Association of Schools of Music also collaborates with organizations, such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the National Association of Schools of Theatre, to promote excellence in the arts.

● Membership

The National Association of Schools of Music has over 650 institutional members, including the Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of California, Los Angeles. Membership in the organization is open to institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and meet the organization's standards for accreditation. Members of the National Association of Schools of Music include institutions, such as the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College, Eastman School of Music, and Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. The organization also has individual members, including music educators, music performers, and music scholars, who are affiliated with member institutions or are otherwise involved in music education. The National Association of Schools of Music works with other organizations, such as the Music Educators National Conference and the National Association of Jazz Educators, to promote music education and advocacy.

● Standards and Guidelines

The National Association of Schools of Music establishes standards and guidelines for undergraduate and graduate degrees in music. The organization's standards cover areas, such as Music Performance, Music Theory, Music Composition, and Music Education. The National Association of Schools of Music also provides guidelines for institutions, such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Washington, that offer online and distance education programs in music. The organization works closely with other organizations, such as the National Center for Education Statistics and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, to ensure that music programs meet high standards of quality. The National Association of Schools of Music collaborates with institutions, such as the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, to develop new programs and curricula in music.

● Commission on Accreditation

The National Association of Schools of Music has a Commission on Accreditation that is responsible for evaluating institutions, such as the University of Arizona and the University of Oregon, that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in music. The Commission on Accreditation is composed of music educators, music performers, and music scholars who are experts in their fields. The Commission works closely with other accrediting agencies, such as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, to ensure that music programs meet high standards of quality. The National Association of Schools of Music also collaborates with organizations, such as the American Council on Education and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, to promote excellence in higher education.

● Institutional Membership and Accreditation

Institutional membership in the National Association of Schools of Music is open to institutions, such as the California Institute of the Arts and the New York University, that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in music. To become a member of the National Association of Schools of Music, an institution must meet the organization's standards for accreditation and undergo a site visit by a team of evaluators. The National Association of Schools of Music works closely with other organizations, such as the National Association of Colleges and Universities and the American Association of Colleges and Universities, to promote excellence in higher education. The organization collaborates with institutions, such as the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, to develop new programs and curricula in music. The National Association of Schools of Music also recognizes institutions, such as the Baltimore School for the Arts and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, that offer pre-college programs in music.

Category:Music education