
School of Music
Performance. Passion. Pride.
Discover a vibrant community of performers and scholars, world-class faculty, and programs built on a strong record of success and designed to prepare musicians for careers in the 21st century.
For more than 100 years, we have provided students with an unparalleled academic and musical experience through performing, teaching, conducting and composing music. With roughly 300 music students, the School of Music offers world-class performing experiences while maintaining small class sizes that are taught by premier performers and educators who are devoted to student success.
Join the School of Music
Audition to gain acceptance to the program as a major or non-major and to become eligible for graduate assistantships and scholarships.
Events, camps and workshops
Upcoming Performances
All-Steinway School
Steinway School with Spirio Designation
East Texas A&M University was the first college or university to earn the distinction of becoming an All-Steinway School with Spirio Designation. Steinway pianos provide the highest quality experience for piano performers and audience members. They are among the world's leading manufacturers of concert instruments, and the Steinway brand is synonymous with excellence. The newly developed Spirio technology incorporates 21st-century innovation to provide an engaging teaching and learning experience for performers, audiences, teachers and students. The technology allows for interaction with pianists around the globe and across the span of time through the wireless linking of instruments.

Faculty Spotlight

Daniel Kelly, DMA

Darla Meek

Brian Zator, DMA

Julee Walker, DMA
Explore Our Programs
Music (BA) Instrumental, Vocal, Guitar or Piano
The Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Music is a liberal studies degree that can prepare you for any number of music or music-related career fields. This program allows for more flexibility for students to design their own degree program. In the BA, you will also select a minor in a different department, with the help of your academic advisor. The music BA plus a minor in a different area can lead to any number of opportunities in graduate school or career options.
Music Education (BM) Elementary, Choral or Band
Our Bachelor of Music degree advances your knowledge in music theory, history, pedagogy, performance and more. Receive one-on-one instruction from our renowned faculty as you develop your skills and build your repertoire. Whether you aspire to teach or perform, our degree prepares you for a variety of careers.
Performance (BM) Vocal, Instrumental, Guitar or Piano
Engage in a wide variety of performance opportunities. The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree develops your technical skills and abilities through large ensembles, chamber playing, solo performances and more.
Music Education (MM) Elementary Summer Cohort
Earn a graduate degree in a little over three years with this 30-hour, summers-only Master of Music degree plan created specifically for full-time elementary music teachers.
Music Education (MM) Elementary, Choral, or Band
Designed for current or aspiring music educators, this emphasis deepens your skills in pedagogy, curriculum design, and repertoire selection. You’ll explore effective teaching strategies for diverse learning environments while continuing to grow as a performer and researcher.
Performance (MM) Instrumental, Vocal, Piano, Choral Conducting or Wind Conducting
This emphasis is ideal for musicians seeking advanced training in performance. Through applied lessons, recital preparation, and literature study, you’ll refine your technical ability, artistic expression, and pedagogical understanding for careers in performance and private instruction.
Performance (MM) Piano Pedagogy
This emphasis is ideal for musicians seeking advanced training in performance. Through applied lessons, recital preparation, and literature study, you’ll refine your technical ability, artistic expression, and pedagogical understanding for careers in performance and private instruction.
Find us on YouTube
Ensembles and Studios
Our Facilities
Our Music Building received an Outstanding Design Award from American School and University Magazine in 2012. It features state-of-the-art performance, rehearsal and instruction facilities, and is a landmark that raises the stature of the School of Music for both performance and music education.

Classrooms and Practice Rooms
The Music Building features multiple classrooms, as well as studio space and private practice rooms. These include spaces for elementary music, piano labs, percussion rooms and more.

Rehearsal Spaces
The Music Building features five dedicated rehearsal spaces for vocal and instrumental ensembles, as well as piano and electronic music labs.

Performance spaces
The Jack and Lou Finney Concert Hall seats up to 600 and has featured world-premiers of multiple works as well as the school-wide annual Holiday Gala concert. In addition, a recital hall seating 75 gives students a space to perform their solo recitals.


Music Building
The current East Texas A&M Music Building was opened in 2010. This $29 million facility is home to the university’s 300+ music students and multiple ensembles.

We are here to help!
GIVING Opportunities
When you give to the Music Excellence Fund, your tax-deductible donation will be used to assist our current and future students with critical needs including scholarships and program enhancements. Additionally, through purposeful intent, the School of Music will use your gifts to pursue new priorities and initiatives to further music education and performance that will have a lasting impact. Please contact the Office of Philanthropy and Engagement at [email protected] or 903.468.8180
Contact the School of Music
Admin & Office
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Mary Druhan, DMA Interim Head for the School of Music | Professor of Music in Clarinet | Backun Performing Artist
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Darla Meek Assistant Head of the School of Music & Coordinator of Music Education
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Audrey Voss Administrative Associate V, School of Music
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Christina Gower Administrative Associate III
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Ramya Kandula Graduate Assistant, Non-Teaching
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Hannah Weller Assistant Director of Bands & Staff
Bands
Choirs
Opera/Musical Theater
Jazz Band & Improvisation
Music Education
Methods Classes
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RJ McDowell Adjunct Instructor of Music in String Methods & Music Literature
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Hollie Dzierzanowski, D.M.A. Adjunct Instructor of Music in String Methods
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Benny Davis Adjunct Instructor of Music in Brass Methods & Instrumental Methods for Vocalists
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Tyler Tashdjian Adjunct Instructor of Music in Woodwind Methods
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Matt Moore Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
Strings
Music Theory and Music History Classes
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Julia Bozone, DMA Associate Professor of Music in Theory and Composition
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Jessica Stearns, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Music in Musicology/Ethnomusicology
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Chad Houk Adjunct Instructor of Music in Theory and Ear Training
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Nathan Philipp Adjunct Instructor of Music in Theory and Theory and Ear Training
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Kristi Taylor Business Coordinator & Adjunct Instructor of Music Theory & Ear Training
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Jonathan Cziner, D.M.A. Adjunct Instructor of Music in Orchestration & Freshman Success
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Natasha Merchant, DMA Adjunct Instructor of Music in Graduate Research & World Music
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Jeff Ausdemore Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion & Entrepreneurship
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RJ McDowell Adjunct Instructor of Music in String Methods & Music Literature
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Eric Giles Adjunct Instructor of Music in Oboe & Intro to Graduate Studies
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Chris Beaty, DMA Professor of Music in Saxophone and Rock and Roll
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Anthony Adario Adjunct Instructor of Music in Bassoon & Rock and Roll
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Ryan Dahir Adjunct Instructor of Music in Music History
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Kory Reeder Adjunct Instructor of Music in Music History
Piano/Keyboard
Voice
Woodwind Faculty
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Julee Walker, DMA Professor of Music in Flute | Conn Selmer Artist
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Chris Beaty, DMA Professor of Music in Saxophone
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Jody Webb, DMA Adjunct Instructor of Music in Clarinet
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Timothy Bagert Adjunct Instructor of Music in Clarinet
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Eric Giles Adjunct Instructor of Music in Oboe & Intro to Graduate Studies
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Anthony Adario Adjunct Instructor of Music in Bassoon & Rock and Roll
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Hannah Weller Assistant Director of Bands & Instructor of Music in Clarinet
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Mary Druhan, DMA Professor of Music in Clarinet, Backun Musical Services Performing Artist, Legere Artist & Silverstein Artist
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Tyler Tashdjian Adjunct Instructor of Music in Woodwind Methods
Brass
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Daniel Kelly, DMA Professor of Music in Trumpet | Yamaha Performing Artist
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Michael Morrow Associate Professor of Music in Horn
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Megan Boutin, DMA Assistant Professor of Music in Trombone | S.E. Shires Performing Artist
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Jeff Baker, DMA Professor of Music in Tuba and Euphonium
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Jared Lantzy Adjunct Instructor of Music in Trombone
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McKenna Hill Adjunct Instructor of Music Trumpet
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Benny Davis Adjunct Instructor of Music in Brass Methods & Instrumental Methods for Vocalists
Percussion
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Brian Zator, DMA Regents Professor of Music in Percussion | Sabian, Evans, Black Swamp and Innovative Percussion Performing Artist
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Tanner Leonardo Interim Assistant Director of Percussion
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William Champion Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
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Waichi Champion Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
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Jeff Ausdemore Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion & Entrepreneurship
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Matt Moore Adjunct Instructor of Music in Percussion
Field Supervisors
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Kimberly Ahrens Secondary Choral Field Supervisor
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Lindy Perez Secondary Choral Field Supervisor
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James Hannah Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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Travis Smith Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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Steve Andre Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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EloÃsa Muzquiz Secondary Band Field Supervisor
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Mari McAdoo Elementary Field Supervisor
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Matthew Ochs Elementary Field Supervisor
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Vicky Stark Elementary Field Supervisor
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Sheila Clagg-Cathey Elementary Field Supervisor
You can do it all on the ETAMU Marketplace
Pay student fees, contribute to the Music Excellence Fund, buy concert tickets and more.
Mission Statement
The School of Music at East Texas A&M University promotes excellence in music through the rigorous study of music history, literature, theory, composition, pedagogy and the preparation of music performance in applied study and ensembles to meet the highest standards of aesthetic expression.
Our Vision
The School of Music:
- Provides opportunities for all students to enhance their perception, comprehension, performance and, ultimately, appreciation of music.
- Prepares students to be leaders in music education, music performance and other related fields of the performing arts.
- Fosters creative activities and the intellectual pursuit of knowledge about music.
- Enriches the lives of the students and faculty of A&M–Commerce and the communities of the state and nation with inspirational performances and stimulating educational opportunities.
Our Values
As a school, we value
- Actionable pursuit of excellence in scholarship, pedagogy and artistry;
- Curriculum, repertoire, representation and ideas that equip students and faculty to maneuver as engaged citizens in cultural leadership and global awareness;
- Curiosity and creativity as individuals and as collaborative artists;
- Professionalism and collegiality among students, faculty, and staff, culminating in a culture of trust and mutual respect.
Accreditation
East Texas A&M University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Questions regarding accreditation may be directed to NASM:
- Address: 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248
- Phone number: 703.437.0700
- Email: [email protected]

Contact Us
- School of Music
- 903.886.5303
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011