UK School of Music Earns NASM Re-accreditation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2019) — The University of Kentucky's School of Music has been awarded re-accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

The accreditation, following a comprehensive two-year review process, renews the school's undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs through 2024. Founded in 1924, NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with approximately 643 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational and other music-related endeavors.

"The rigorous accreditation process conducted by the National Association of Schools of Music assures that UK is meeting or exceeding the highest industry standards for music education in the judgment of their peers," said Mark Shanda, dean of the College of Fine Arts. "For the faculty, this affirms and recognizes their commitment to excellence in education. For students, accreditation increases the value of their degrees, knowing that they are receiving the very best teaching and learning for their investment."

The NASM accreditation process focuses upon two principal concerns: educational quality and institutional probity. The review team commended the university for its continued commitment to music education, performance and research.

Currently celebrating its 100th anniversary, the School of Music in the UK College of Fine Arts has garnered national recognition for high-caliber education in opera, choral and instrumental music performance, as well as music education, music therapy, composition, theory and music history.