News - Meadows School of the Arts, SMU

Music alum Neeki Bey poses in a black shirt against a black background.

Alumni Spotlight: Neeki Bey

Alumni Music Music alum Neeki Bey (M.M. ’07) has built a career spanning performance and production, drawing on his Meadows training to lead creative work on national stages.

March 30, 2026

Meadows on the Mic: Brianna Woods – Theatre M.F.A. and “Ragtime”

Alumni Music Theatre Meadows alumna Brianna (Bri) Woods discusses her time in the Theatre M.F.A. program and playing a lead in the upcoming production of “Ragtime.”

March 23, 2026

teal background with outline of a white piano and piano player

The Cliburn Announces 20-Year Partnership With SMU and Dallas Symphony Orchestra for International Competition for Young Pianists

Music Applications are now open for the fourth edition of the event, for pianists aged 13 to 17, taking place June 9–19, 2027, in Dallas, Texas, with Sa Chen as jury chair.

March 06, 2026

Violin student Daria Oleinik poses with her violin in a black dress outside

Violin Student to Represent SMU at Prestigious MTNA National Competition

Music After advancing through a competitive regional round, Meadows student Daria Oleinik will showcase her artistry on one of the nation’s most prestigious student music stages.

February 25, 2026

SMU Meadows Intern Fellowship Program Expands, Doubling Paid Internships in Year Two

Advertising Art Art History Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre Students will gain paid, hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and professional connections with nine leading Dallas arts and media organizations during the program’s second run.

January 28, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Derek W. Hawkes

Alumni Music Music performance alum Derek W. Hawkes (B.M., B.A. ’14) has built a career that reflects the power of interdisciplinary training at Meadows.

January 26, 2026

Meadows on the Mic: Neeki Bey – Show Producer at Lincoln Center

Alumni Music Meadows music alum Neeki Bey discusses the importance of building community in your career and how he came to produce shows for Lincoln Center in NYC.

January 23, 2026

Brian Stokes Mitchell photo by James Edward Alexander

SMU Meadows Honors Broadway Singer and Leading Man Brian Stokes Mitchell with Meadows Award

Events Music Theatre Brian Stokes Mitchell will receive the Meadows Award at the Meadows at the Meyerson in Dallas on March 31 where he will perform with the Meadows Choirs and the Meadows Symphony Orchestra.

November 25, 2025

Students interact with digital project at creative computation showcase.

Creative Computation Showcase to Highlight Interdisciplinary Art and Innovation at Meadows

Events Art Creative Computation Music From sound-reactive installations to glow-in-the-dark sculptures, attendees will experience interactive projects from students in the Creative Computation program and beyond.

November 24, 2025

Alumni Spotlight: Michael Kirk Allen

Alumni Art History Music Art history and music alum Michael Kirk Allen (B.A. '03) draws on his dual-degree background to help today’s top artists share their stories at Republic Records.

November 17, 2025

Voice Performance Alumni Bring SMU Meadows Training to the Houston Grand Opera Stage

Alumni Music Jasmine Williams, master’s graduate and current Performer’s Diploma student, brings her artistry and training to HGO’s production of “Porgy and Bess” alongside fellow Meadows voice program alumni.

November 05, 2025

Division of Dance students perform in the Meadows Museum gallery

artsLAB: Meadows’ Creativity Meets Wellness in a Campus-Wide Collaboration

Campus Dance Music The Meadows Museum blends art, movement, and mindfulness in cross-campus wellness event, uniting multiple SMU schools in an exploration of wellbeing through the arts.

October 13, 2025

Music composition student Paul Johnson poses in a black shirt with yellow suspenders and glasses

Division of Music Student Paul Johnson Named New SMU-ISO Composer-in-Residence

Students Music A second-year master’s student double majoring in Music Composition and Music Theory Pedagogy has been selected as this year’s SMU–Irving Symphony Orchestra Composer-in-Residence.

October 07, 2025

SOLI Chamber Music ensemble poses for a photo

SYZYGY Welcomes SOLI Chamber Ensemble for Residency at SMU Meadows

Campus Music Meadows’ contemporary music ensemble SYZYGY joins forces with the SOLI Chamber Ensemble for a multi-day residency celebrating creativity and collaboration.

September 26, 2025

Meadows on the Mic: Margaret Winchell – SMU Choirs in China

Students Music Margaret Winchell, Director of Choral Activities, returns to the show to discuss the Meadows Choirs’ summer trip to China and what to look forward to this academic year.

September 25, 2025

Members of the Mustang Band play drums in their red and white striped uniforms

Mustang Band Boasts Record-Breaking Number of Members This Academic Year

Students Music The Band’s 125 members, including more Meadows students than ever before, showcase SMU’s spirit, creativity and tradition as the program enters a new era of growth and leadership.

September 17, 2025

Poiesis Quartet poses with their instruments in an art gallery

Poiesis Quartet Wins Banff International String Quartet Competition, Named Newest Peak Fellowship Ensemble-in-Residence

Campus Music The Cincinnati-based ensemble won the grand prize at the prestigious music competition earlier this month and will begin their Peak Fellowship residency at Meadows in 2026.

September 05, 2025

Alumni Spotlight: Peter Jutras

Alumni Music Piano performance and pedagogy alum Peter Jutras (M.M. '97) gained invaluable experiences during his time at Meadows, shaping him as both an educator and a leader in his field.

September 02, 2025

Headshots of the nine new full-time faculty members at Meadows School of the Arts

Meadows Welcomes Nine New Faculty Members for the 2025-26 Academic Year

Faculty Art Art History Journalism Music Theatre Join us in welcoming nine new faculty members to Meadows, in divisions ranging from music and art to theatre and journalism, and learn more about these new members of our community.

August 26, 2025

Silas Farley on stage accepting his award as the 2025 John Neumeier Prize for Choreography recipient.

Creative Momentum: Summer Highlights from Meadows’ Innovative Faculty Members

Faculty Art Dance Film & Media Arts Music Theatre This summer, SMU Meadows’ faculty have earned global recognition, published new works, secured new creative roles and brought bold ideas to life across a variety of disciplines.

July 29, 2025

Meadows students perform Zhou Long's piece "Words of the Sun" at the Fujian Grand Theatre in Fuzhou, China.

Meadows Music Students Build Cultural Bridges in China at Youth Choral Festival

Students Music SMU Meadows Choirs travel to Fuzhou and Beijing for the Bond with Kuliang 2025 Festival, forging friendships and sharing music across cultures.

July 25, 2025

Meadows on the Move: Students Embrace Transformative Summer Opportunities Around the Globe

Students Advertising Art Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Dance Journalism Music SMU Meadows students have been pursuing a variety of opportunities all over the world this summer, from impressive internships and international programs to leading young artists and producing their own work.

July 11, 2025

Flyer for Basically Beethoven Festival featuring three colorful violins.

Basically Beethoven Festival to Spotlight Meadows Talent in Exclusive July 13 Performance

Events Music Three current Meadows students and one alum will take the stage during the opening event of this year’s Basically Beethoven Festival as the “Featured Performer” and “Rising Stars.”

June 29, 2025

Texas Commission on the Arts Appoints Meadows Alum as 2025 Texas State Classical Musician

Alumni Music Accomplished oboist Alecia Lawyer (B.M. ’90) has been named the inaugural Texas State Musician – Classical, one of the state’s highest honors in the arts.

June 03, 2025

Graduates throw their caps in the air following the degree recognition ceremony

Class of 2025 Graduates Celebrated in SMU Meadows Degree Recognition Ceremony

Campus Advertising Art Art History Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Creative Technology Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre Meadows faculty and staff, along with family and friends of the graduates, celebrated the Class of 2025 in Saturday’s Degree Recognition Ceremony.

May 19, 2025

Alumni Spotlight: Noelle Fabian Dragon

Alumni Music Music education and saxophone performance alum Noelle Fabian Dragon (B.M. '10) was able to embark on a creative professional path thanks to her unique Meadows experience.

May 05, 2025

Senior Spotlight: Will Emmert

Students Music Vocal performance major Will Emmert reflects on the performance opportunities and leadership roles he has had at Meadows, as well as his future career in arts administration.

April 28, 2025

Piano Student Selected to Perform in Prestigious Cliburn Competition

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

April 24, 2025

Meadows on the Mic: Will Emmert – SMU in South Africa

Students Music Senior vocal performance major Will Emmert discusses studying voice, student-working and SMU in South Africa.

April 01, 2025

Alumni Spotlight: Paul Kroeger

Alumni Music Voice performance alum Paul Kroeger's (B.M. '13) unique Meadows education allowed him to pursue a career as a professional opera singer, while also setting him up for his current job in international affairs.

March 31, 2025

Music Composition Student Selected as New SMU-ISO Composer-in-Residence

Students Music Max Whittaker, a senior Meadows student pursuing a B.M. in Music Composition, has been selected as this year’s SMU–Irving Symphony Orchestra Student Composer-in-Residence.

February 28, 2025

Alumni Spotlight: David Sibley

Alumni Music Music alum David Sibley (B.M. '89) combined his music education and interest in film and television to excel as a music supervisor in the entertainment industry.

February 10, 2025

Black and white headshots of faculty award winners Cheryl Mendenhall, Kristina Nielsen, Anne Schilling, and Stephanie Langin-Hooper

Meadows Faculty Sweeps SMU Fall Teaching Awards

Faculty Advertising Art History Music Theatre Meadows faculty members win four of the biggest University-level teaching awards from SMU for the school year.

February 06, 2025

Alumni Spotlight: Artina McCain

Alumni Music Music alum Artina McCain (B.M. '03) shares her talent not only through her work as a concert pianist, but also as a professor of piano at the University of Memphis.

January 21, 2025

Violin professor Chad Hoopes plays the violin

Professor Chad Hoopes Named Wallach Chair by Esteemed Chamber Music Society

Faculty Music The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center has selected professor of practice in violin Chad Hoopes as the holder of the Susan S. and Kenneth L. Wallach Chair position.

November 26, 2024

Professor Barbara Hill Moore stands at a podium at an event celebrating her 50 years at SMU.

Meadows Celebrates Dedicated and Impactful Career of Professor Barbara Hill Moore

Events Music Students, faculty, alumni, and friends of Meadows joined together for a joyous celebration of Barbara Hill Moore’s 50-year career with the school.

November 15, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Gregoire

Alumni Music Music alum Jonathan Gregoire (A.D. '17) expanded his artistry during his time at Meadows, leading to the creation of his own creative coaching practice alongside performing.

November 11, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Kristin Stubblefield

Alumni Music Music Education alum Kristin Stubblefield (B.M. '19) utilized the program's unique blend of technical curricula and hands-on experiences to uncover her passion for elementary-level music teaching.

November 04, 2024

Percussion student Melody Tang carries newly-constructed pitched pipes with engineering students.

Percussion Students Partner with Engineering School to Produce Instruments

Students Music The two schools worked together to design and build 72 chromatic pitched pipes, among other projects, for upcoming percussion performances.

October 24, 2024

Meadows Student Engages with Community through Music and International Studies

Students Music Alexandra Lahiri is a double major at SMU, pursuing degrees in Music and International Studies. She shares how she connects with SMU and the broader Dallas community through unique cultural and musical extracurricular activities.

October 10, 2024

Sophomore voice major Jordan Lage in the title role of Carrie White

SMU Meadows Partners with Dallas’ Theatre Three for Upcoming Production of “Carrie”

Students Music Theatre Meadows’ performing arts programs will collaborate with locally-acclaimed Dallas theatre T3 for an upcoming production of "Carrie the Musical."

September 27, 2024

Podcast Launch: Meadows on the Mic

Faculty Music Meadows Marketing launches a new podcast covering staff, students and events at SMU Meadows. The inaugural episode is an interview with Margaret Winchell, Director of Choral Activities.

September 16, 2024

Meadows Admission Ambassadors pose with Assistant Dean for Recruitment Ryan Cole

Campus Visitors Receive Warm Welcome From Meadows’ Student Ambassadors

Students Advertising Art Art History Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Creative Technology Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre Meadows Admission Ambassadors are often the first face many people see upon visiting the school and work hard to make a positive impact on visitors’ campus experiences.

September 13, 2024

Military Musicians and Arts Management

Arts and Nonprofit Leadership Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Music Explore how military musicians excel in the field of arts management by leveraging their evolving roles and responsibilities.

September 12, 2024

Meadows has 17 new faculty members joining for the 2024-25 academic year.

Meadows Welcomes 12 Full-Time, 5 Visiting New Faculty Members for 2024-25

Faculty Advertising Art Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre Join us in welcoming 17 new faculty members to Meadows, in divisions ranging from art and advertising to dance and theatre, and learn more about these new members of our community.

September 06, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Scott Harrison

Alumni Music Music alum Scott Harrison (M.M. '04) details how his Meadows experience has informed his work at the Cleveland Institute of Music and beyond.

September 03, 2024

Meadows Voice Students Selected as “Rising Star” Performers in Upcoming Basically Beethoven Festival

Students Music Two high-level students in Meadows’ voice program have been selected to perform in the 43rd annual Basically Beethoven Festival on July 21.

July 01, 2024

A Meadows alum helps mentor a current student.

Meadows Mentor Program Provides Students with Professional Advice and Guidance

Alumni Advertising Art Art History Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre The new mentorship program created by the Office of Alumni and Career Success pairs current students with alumni and other volunteers who are willing to share career advice.

May 22, 2024

Student Podcast Reflects on Graduation and Memorable Courses

Students Music On their Chronically On Campus podcast, students Will Emmert and Catherine Ramsey reflect on graduation and memorable Meadows courses.

May 09, 2024

Guggenheim Fellow Professor Xi Wang teaches a music composition class at Meadows.

Professor Xi Wang Awarded Prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship

Faculty Music Music composition and theory professor Xi Wang has been awarded the 2024 Guggenheim Fellowship for her exceptional creativity and contribution to the arts.

April 19, 2024

Students gather in Meadows new electronic recording studio for a film and game scoring class.

Division of Music Introduces New Degree Track in Film and Game Scoring

Campus Music A new Bachelor of Music degree track focusing on film and game scoring will be available to Meadows students starting in the fall of 2024.

April 18, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: Adam Salas

Alumni Music Music alum Adam Salas (M.M. '18) shares his passion for piano with students of his own now as both a private piano studio owner and professor of piano at SMU and TWU.

April 15, 2024

Two Meadows students smile and pose with Mustang signs at an SMU event.

National Student Employment Week: Celebrating Meadows’ Student Workers

Students Dance Music Theatre In honor of National Student Employment Week, we are highlighting the various groups of student workers at SMU Meadows, from ticketing to recruitment, who help keep operations running smoothly for our school.

April 12, 2024

Meadows students perform in an entirely student-led production for the SMU Student Theatre group.

SMU Student Theatre Group Promotes Cross-Collaboration for Arts Majors

Students Dance Music Theatre SMU Student Theatre (SMUST) produces student-led productions that allow for interdisciplinary work between Meadows students in a variety of majors.

March 27, 2024

A photographic component from Jenna Davis' project, "Fabric," featuring a performer stretching a shirt over her face.

Meadows Students Pursue Research Projects with Engaged Learning Fellowship Grants

Students Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Dance Music Discover what meaningful research projects Meadows students across four different majors are pursuing with their Engaged Learning grants.

March 22, 2024

The Police's Stewart Copeland is the 2024 Meadows Award recipient.

SMU Meadows Honors Musician and Composer Stewart Copeland with Meadows Award

Campus Music As the 2024 Meadows Award recipient, Copeland will perform with Meadows Symphony Orchestra for the 31st annual benefit concert Meadows at the Meyerson.

February 15, 2024

Alumni Spotlight: James Ryan Jillson

Alumni Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Music Music and arts management alum James Ryan Jillson (B.A. ’13, M.A. ’15) leverages his knowledge of music with his MA/MBA degree skills as the Director of Analytics at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

February 12, 2024

Meadows theatre students perform in one of the many stage productions put on each school year.

Meadows Students Reflect on Their Goals and Aspirations for Spring 2024

Students Journalism Music Theatre Students are focusing on pursuing personal and academic goals, as well as self-care, during the new year.

January 21, 2024

Meadows alumni throw their caps into the air at graduation.

Once a Mustang: Alumni Return to Meadows as Faculty and Staff Members

Faculty Dance Journalism Music More than 20 Meadows alumni are currently employed in the school; hear about what drew them back to Meadows and their experience as an alum-turned-faculty member.

December 21, 2023

Members of the Meadows 2050 Council gather for a meeting.

Meadows 2050 Council Advises School and Current Students on Strategy to Foster Success

Alumni Advertising Art Art History Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Creative Technology Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre The alumni advisory group strengthens the Meadows community through mentoring, career guidance and strategic planning for the future of the school and its students.

December 18, 2023

Meadows Faculty and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Faculty Music Get to know the 25 members of Meadows’ music faculty who currently hold positions in the DSO.

December 12, 2023

Meadows Summer Workshops Enrich Music Education Community

Campus Music Every summer Meadows offers a variety of continuing education workshops for music education professionals.

November 27, 2023

Student Podcast Highlights Meadows Multi-Majors

Students Music On their Chronically On Campus podcast, students Will Emmert and Catherine Ramsey recently covered what it's like to have multiple majors at SMU Meadows .

October 27, 2023

Theatre and mechanical engineering double major Sinan Beskok performs on stage in Meadows' "Twelfth Night: the Musical."

Opposites Attract: Meadows Students Balance Contrasting Majors

Students Dance Film & Media Arts Music Theatre Students are creating custom college experiences by enrolling in seemingly contrasting majors and minors in order to prepare themselves for their dream career post-graduation.

October 25, 2023

Alumni Spotlight: Imelda Tecson

Alumni Music Music alum Imelda Tecson (M.M. '09), who was recently a violinist in the national tour of the hit musical "Hamilton," shares how Meadows helped her create a career to be proud of.

October 23, 2023

Music student and record label founder Apsara Kasiraman plays the piano.

Piano and Finance Double-Major Founds Indie Record Label

Students Music Over the summer, sophomore Apsara Kasiraman established Malibu View Records as an independent multi-genre record label focused on nurturing young artists.

October 13, 2023

Theatre students perform a dance number during a spring play production.

Meadows Holds Showstopping Amount of Multi-Major Students

Students Advertising Art Art History Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Creative Computation Dance Film & Media Arts Journalism Music Theatre With over 45 majors represented by students in the Meadows School of the Arts this academic year, it is one of SMU’s most educationally diverse schools.

October 06, 2023

Sixth year Ph.D. student Arvin Maghsoudlou examines a piece of work for his art history program.