Southeastern Music Department earns re-accreditation
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
Date: July 15, 2013
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University's music program has been re-accredited by the
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Based in Reston, Va., NASM was established in 1924 and is a 644-member organization
of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities. It establishes national standards
for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials.
Interim Head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts Ken Boulton said accreditation
is a process by which a program periodically evaluates its work and seeks an independent
judgment by peers that it achieves substantially its own educational objectives and
meets the established standards of the accrediting body.
"The NASM re-accreditation is a significant affirmation of our standard of music
instruction, performance, and productivity," Boulton said. "In short, it means everything
to the value of our undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as the commitment
of our entire faculty."
Boulton added that typically the accreditation process includes a self-evaluative
description of the department; an on-site review by a team of evaluators; and a judgment
by an accreditation decision-making body.
"The department is evaluated by NASM every 10 years and includes a site visit,"
he said. "Accreditation reviews focus on educational quality, institutional integrity
and educational improvements."
Southeastern's Music Department offers the following music degrees: Bachelor
of Music, Concentration in Vocal Performance; Bachelor of Music, Concentration in
Instrumental Performance; Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Piano Performance; Bachelor
of Music, Concentration in Vocal Education; Bachelor of Music, Concentration in Instrumental
Education; Master of Music, Concentration in Performance; and Master of Music, Concentration
in Music Theory.
For additional information, contact the Music Department at 985-549-2184.