Defining Statements
Our Inspiration
“… that vast Something, stretching out on its own unbounded scale, unconfined … combining the real and ideal, and beautiful as dreams. I wonder indeed if the people of this continental inland West know how much of first-class art they have in these prairies …”
- Walt Whitman, on the view from KU’s Mount Oread
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the destination music school in the Heartland, sending graduates out into the world as leaders, creating a vital soundtrack of meaning and beauty for the ever-changing lives of the people in our state, our nation, and our world.
Our Mission
We Endeavor
- To teach performance, education, therapy, composition, theory, and musicology passionately and creatively, helping our students prepare for the future as outstanding practitioners of their disciplines.
- To perform, compose, and speak about music with artistry and intelligence as we foster its greater appreciation and understanding on our campus and throughout the region.
- To engage our community, state, nation, and world in every manner possible as a leading comprehensive music school.
We Hold That
- Music serves as a powerful constant, enriching and enlightening all societies.
- Excellence in musical study helps prepare students for creative, collaborative work in many disciplines.
- Close interaction with dedicated, inspiring teachers sets students on the path to success.
- All programs at the state’s flagship university must strive for excellence and diversity, serving as a beacon for knowledge and multicultural awareness in an age of technological change and global interconnectedness.