Student play cello with eyes closed.

School of Music News

The School of Music offers enriching undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students pursuing careers in composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education, and performance. We have more than 400 music majors studying under the guidance of experienced artist and performers, master teachers, and respected international scholars.

Current Music News

the UNLV symphony orchestra
Arts and Culture |

This season finale is a celebration of mentorship, partnership, and the importance of building bridges between university and youth music programs.

illustration of new Fine Arts building
Arts and Culture |

Chihuly Studio pledged a gift of the Chihuly Fire Opal Chandelier to be displayed in the learning center upon its completion.

jazz ensemble standing as a group outside
Arts and Culture |

UNLV Jazz has won 52 'Downbeat' Awards — considered one of the highest achievements in jazz education — since 2010.

orchestra performing
Arts and Culture |

The band honors those who have served, inspires patriotism and service, and connects with the global community.

Dozens of musicians in formal outfits play instruments.
Campus News |

UNLV students and residents come together for the love of music and to support Las Vegas organizations.

close up of Stephen Caplan holding an instrument
Arts and Culture |

This recital features oboist Stephen Caplan, one of Nevada’s most celebrated classical musicians, who will be retiring after 38 years as professor of music at UNLV.

Music In The News

KNPR News

Oboist Stephen Caplan has taught at UNLV for 38 years, on top of performing around the world and with the Las Vegas Philharmonic. During that time, he has won accolades, shared stages with international superstars, and, most notably, tailored his teaching to include the physical and mental health of instrumentalists.

KSNV-TV: News 3

A recital will feature the oboe player, one of Nevada’s most celebrated classical musicians, who will be retiring after 38 years as professor of music at UNLV.

KVVU-TV: Fox 5

Happening Saturday, March 8th at Artemus W. Ham concert hall at UNLV.

KSNV-TV: News 3

The iconic Mariachi Extravaganza, a celebrated music festival based in San Antonio, has expanded its reach to Las Vegas, Nevada, for the first time. The inaugural Mariachi Extravaganza Las Vegas – West Coast Region featured the nation's top school-based mariachi groups and vocalists competing for the title of reigning champions. The event is a collaborative effort between the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Music and MPR, the producers of the Mariachi Extravaganza.

KNPR News

Mariachi is a musical touchstone of Mexico and the American Southwest — and a growing part of U.S. music education. Clark County high schools are embracing it, with more than 8,000 students in its mariachi programs — the most in the country. The College of Southern Nevada's Mariachi Plata band has found national success in competitions.

Chic Compass

The chamber orchestra strives to attain the highest standards in performing an array of classical repertoire for diverse audiences while regularly featuring outstanding soloists and guest conductors. As part of its active performance and touring schedule, the Sinfonietta has partnered with many other musical organizations, such as the Vegas City Opera, the Las Vegas Master Singers, the UNLV Chamber Chorale, the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society and the Las Vegas Academy.

Recent Music Accomplishments

DMA oboe student and P.T.I. Nicholas Carozza (Music) is heading to Colorado for a sold out performance at the Saddlehorn Amphitheater on the Colorado National Monument for National Parks week. Nick will perform with Justin G. Russell Jr. on double bass. The duo will perform music from the renaissance to modern day, including a world premiere by…
Jonathan Rhodes Lee (Music) delivered the keynote address at Baldwin Wallace University's 2025 Bach Festival, held in Berea, Ohio. This annual celebration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries spans three-days, including concerts, lectures, symposia, and exhibitions of archival materials from the Riemenschneider Bach…
Katrina Liu (Teaching & Learning) and Richard Miller (Music), together with UNLV alumna Lei Ping (Ph.D., 2025) and Christopher R. Crowley from Wayne State University recently published "Testing the Limits of the Practical: Using van Manen’s Framework to Support Prospective Teachers’ Critical Reflection for Transformative Learning" in the…
Jonathan Rhodes Lee (Music) performed as a guest artist at the Arizona Bach Festival in Phoenix. Lee, a harpsichordist, joined soloists from across the country in a program of concertos in the Vivaldian tradition.
Amy Brown (Music) presented at the Computer Using Educators (CUE) Conference in Palm Springs, California, over spring break. The session's title was "AI and Music: Exploring Creativity and Pedagogy." Participants used AI to create cognitive integrated song parodies to reinforce specific learning intentions in their English Language Arts, Math…
Amy Brown (Music) presented a session at the 2025 Ohio Music Educators Association Annual Conference titled, "Parachute Play, the Musical Way: Engaging Movement and Playing with a Splash of AI." The presentation centered around the theme in Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise), II. "Andante."  Aimed at teaching elementary…