The “Department of Music” at Fresno State has changed its name to the “School of Music.” The Academic Senate approved the name change on Oct. 7.

“Becoming the Fresno State School of Music offers an incredible opportunity for Fresno State to further showcase our vibrant community of musicians, educators and scholars,” said Dr. Cari Earnhart, chair of the School of Music. “The change will positively impact not only our students but also our reputation within the academic and professional music communities and reflect our legacy of excellence and innovation.”

“Elevating our program to a School of Music communicates to all current and future students that they will have an enriched experience at Fresno State with our stellar faculty,” said Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “Fresno State's School of Music is, indeed, the premier university program for studying music throughout the entire San Joaquin Valley.”

The change comes after the School of Music updated its instrumental performance, jazz studies, composition, music education and vocal performance programs from Bachelor of Arts to Bachelor of Music degrees in 2022. The new curriculum required for the Bachelor of Music degrees is more rigorous and meets the standards of the National Association of Schools of Music professional music degrees.