Welcome to the School of Music at Stetson University. Over my twenty-two years in the School of Music at Stetson University, I have enjoyed a series of challenging adventures. I find myself looking at the complex and lovely ‘prism’ of our School of Music from a slightly different angle in my new role, appreciating all the more the richness and depth of the diverse and stimulating musical and educational environment that makes this such a special place.

Stetson’s School of Music is a special place, founded on the vision of an exclusively undergraduate program that serves as a starting point of great careers in all areas of the profession. Over 200 carefully selected undergraduate students receive the undivided attention of 47 artist-faculty members in an atmosphere of challenge and support. At Stetson you will find a pervasive, compelling commitment to artistic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and professionalism. Standards are high, and the work is intense—but the rewards are many.

• Competitive music scholarships, available to outstanding student performers in all areas, make a Stetson education affordable. Auditions are held each year, both for admission to the School of Music and for scholarship consideration.

• Opportunities abound for students in solo and chamber performance and in a deep array of widely recognized major ensembles led by inspired conductors: University Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Stetson Chorale, Stetson Men, and Stetson Opera Theater.

• Our active performing faculty members bring the experience and energy of professional performing careers to their teaching.

• The busy concert season at Stetson features faculty, student and guest artists performing in historic Elizabeth Hall on campus. Faculty and student performances reach into the Central Florida community and far beyond.
  
  

• Each year an impressive array of nationally acclaimed guests is brought to campus to work with music students in workshops and masterclasses. In the Fall of 2007, we will present two festivals which feature the work of Franz Schubert and Edward Elgar.

• Our music facilities are being expanded. In the coming year the construction of McMahan Hall will begin, providing more rehearsal and teaching space. In the near future, we have our sights set on a new performance hall.

Here at Stetson, both academic study and performance expertise are important components of every degree. You will find well-designed and flexible curricula that allow concentration on performance, music education, music technology, composition, theory, or the option of combining the study of music with almost any other field. For example, students who wish to consider the music connection to business are able to complete a music degree and an MBA in only five years. Course offerings include three levels of conducting and three career-skill development courses. Each year we rejoice with students and alums in their professional acclaim and life fulfillment. Recent examples of student success include

• Tai Oney (’07), winner of Metropolitan Opera Council District Auditions and 1st runner up in Southeast Regional Auditions; presently, on full graduate scholarship at Boston University

• Donovan Singletary (’06), winner of Metropolitan Opera Council Grand Finals; presently, a member of the Lindemann Young Artists Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera (NYC)

• Jason Robins (’03), winner in the International Trombone Society Competition; presently on the music staff at Yale University, where he recently earned his MM

• Benn Stoddard (’02), assistant to the CEO of Ballet Hispanico in New York City

• Excalibur, student piano trio, 1st-place winners in the 2001 Florida Music Teachers National Association Chamber Music Competition

• Jason Paulk (’97), winner of ACDA undergraduate choral conducting competition; now on the faculty of Eastern New Mexico State University with wife Kayla, fellow Stetson alum (’90)

• Michael Shawn Lewis (’93), best known as Raoul in Broadway and German productions of “Phantom of the Opera”; frequent guest artist, Seaside Music Theater

On behalf of the Stetson music community and the entire university, I thank you for your interest, whether you are a high school student, the parent of a prospective student, or a member of the central Florida community. You are invited to learn more about the School of Music, to visit our campus, and to attend our concerts and recitals. When you visit, don’t be a stranger. Welcome to the School of Music!

Jean West, Dean
School of Music