Welcome to the School of Music

Greetings from the Dean

It’s an exciting time to be a part of the School of Music at the University of Louisville!  Situated In the heart of a culturally vibrant community, our School of Music has both a rich history and a bright future, and its impact extends around the world.  Established in 1932 and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1936, we pride ourselves on our student-centered tradition of musical excellence.  As dean, I am thrilled to join with world-class faculty and dedicated staff to ensure that our students receive an educational experience of the highest quality.

Prospective students seeking to earn a music degree will find that we offer a variety of opportunities for both individual and collaborative growth and creativity.  Our expansive music facilities are abuzz with activity year-round, and feature performances by students, our ensembles, our faculty, and guest artists from around the world.  We also have a long tradition of hosting summer music camps and other programs to suit a variety of interests.  Our School boasts many marks of distinction, including our well-resourced music library and our internationally-acclaimed vocal and instrumental ensembles, such as the Cardinal Singers, the UofL Wind Ensemble, and the UofL Symphony Orchestra. Our School is further distinguished by the Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition, a decades-long association with the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops, our Jazz and New Music Festivals, and the Louisville Chamber Music Society. Our faculty and students study, research, perform, and serve well beyond the Louisville city limits, at points ranging from Carnegie Hall, to Costa Rica, Ecuador, South Korea, Thailand, Vienna, and Denmark. 

Alongside our undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance and education, students can explore culturally-diverse course offerings and innovative programs, such as a new bachelor’s degree in music and new media, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees in music therapy.  Additionally, students with dual interests might consider one of our combination degrees, which link, for example, the study of music therapy with jazz, or the study of music education with jazz.   

Parents can rest assured that the UofL School of Music is a place where students are both challenged and supported.  Music majors typically spend many hours practicing, performing, and studying, as they develop the disciplined work ethic necessary for success in the professional world.  Our peer mentors, tutors, and the Student Care Team are just a few of the resources in place to ensure that students retain a healthy balance as they navigate the many choices that campus life affords.

Our School of Music is a great place to learn, a great place to teach, and also a great place to discover and connect. Throughout our building, you’ll find the names of alumni, friends, and well-wishers whose many forms of generosity have supported scholarships for our students, the maintenance and beautification of our facilities, and our many programs.  Those investments continue to yield wonderful returns that bode well for our community and beyond.

Thanks for your interest in the School of Music at the University of Louisville. I hope you’ll plan to visit our lovely campus and experience some of our performances.  We’d love to welcome you to our community.

Teresa Reed

Dean, School of Music
University of Louisville