Music

GirlsPlayingFluteIn a Pit orchestra
Two asian students playing violin in a pit orchestra at the Winspear Opera House

SMU Meadows' Division of Music provides a professional and comprehensive education devoted to the advancement of music performance and the preparation of the next generation of music professionals. In addition to this full range of music-major options, the Division of Music provides opportunities for the general university student to pursue a love of music. If music is a must for you, Meadows offers a place to do what you love and garner tools to fulfill your dreams.

Departments

SMU Meadows' Division of Music is comprised of departments that offer instruction from internationally recognized faculty in a wide variety of musical pursuits. Students may choose from several undergraduate and graduate degree programs that most fit their interests. Learn more about each of the departments within the Division below.

Meet Our Faculty

The distinguished music faculty at SMU Meadows are internationally recognized performers, scholars, and educators dedicated to mentoring the next generation of artists. With expertise spanning performance, composition, music education, and more, they bring real-world experience and artistry into the classroom. Together, they foster a vibrant, collaborative environment where students thrive both as musicians and as individuals.

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SMU Music is For You!

Piano Student Selected to Perform in Prestigious Cliburn Competition

Piano performance and Artist Diploma student Korkmaz Saglam will compete in the Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition next month.

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Featured Courses

MUHI 1313

Critical Reasoning Through Music

Examine music as a global practice shaped by culture, history, and society while developing skills in research, critical reasoning, and effective writing. Students learn to build strong arguments, evaluate evidence, and communicate ideas persuasively through the lens of music studies.

MUTH 1320

Introduction to Film and Game Scoring

Discover the art and craft of scoring for film and games through lectures, projects, and demonstrations. Students learn to score to image, location, and emotion using techniques such as synchronization, looping, layering, and editing, while also gaining experience with the collaborative practices that define today’s scoring industry.

PERE 5122

Meadows Opera Theatre

Explore opera and musical theatre through role preparation, dramatic coaching, and live performance. Undergraduates as well as graduate students are cast in main-stage productions, gaining professional-level stage and musicianship experience.

Ensembles

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Meadows Symphony Orchestra

The Meadows Symphony Orchestra, praised by audiences and critics alike, showcases the exceptional talent of student musicians from across the U.S. and around the world. Performing in venues from Caruth Auditorium to the Meyerson Symphony Center, the orchestra is celebrated for its artistry, with members recognized as international soloists and competition prizewinners.

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Meadows Wind Ensemble

The Meadows Wind Ensemble, composed of the finest wind, brass, and percussion students, is recognized for its dynamic performances. Celebrated by contemporary composers for its artistry, the ensemble performs a wide range of repertoire and has released five acclaimed recordings, including an international award-winning album.

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Meadows Jazz Orchestra

The Meadows Jazz Orchestra is an 18-piece ensemble that brings together students to perform a wide range of jazz repertoire. From the traditions of great big bands to contemporary works, the group showcases both classic and forward-looking styles. Since its founding in 1998, the MJO has collaborated with acclaimed guest artists and ensembles while engaging audiences on campus and beyond.

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Meadows Choirs

The Meadows choral program has a 40-year tradition of excellence and features the Meadows Chorale, Meadows Chamber Singers and Concordia ensembles. Performing a wide range of repertoire—from classical to contemporary, folk, jazz, and world music—our choirs appear regularly in concerts, university events and international festivals.

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Meadows Opera Theatre

Meadows Opera Theatre (formerly known as Meadows Lyric Theatre) presents bold and diverse productions spanning opera, operetta, and musical theatre, offering extensive performance opportunities for vocal students at all levels. With a focus on acting technique, audition preparation, and professional partnerships, the program stages both intimate works and full productions with the Meadows Symphony Orchestra.

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Meadows Percussion Ensemble

The Meadows Percussion Ensemble has achieved national recognition through its performances at the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, as well as its critically acclaimed recordings on the Gasparo label.

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SYZYGY – Contemporary Music Ensemble

Meadows’ contemporary music ensemble SYZYGY is dedicated to performing works of living composers alongside recent repertoire. Known for its bold and innovative programming, the group creates engaging performance experiences that connect audiences with pressing social and cultural themes.

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Meadows World Music Ensemble

The Meadows World Music Ensemble explores music from cultures around the globe, blending traditional instruments from Africa, Asia, and Latin America with Western orchestral sounds. Known for energetic drumming and creative improvisation, the group performs unique interpretations of folk traditions alongside original compositions.

Music News

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