Accreditation and Endorsements

The University of Texas Permian Basin is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The National Association of Schools of Music is an association of post-secondary music schools in the United States and the principal U.S. accreditor for higher education in music.

Founded in 1924, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 637 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduates degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines. It also assists institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.

You may contact the National Association of Schools of Music at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248 or by phone (703) 437-0700.

ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOLS demonstrate a full commitment to excellence by providing their students and faculties with the best instruments possible for the study of music. That is why the only pianos owned by the University of Texas Permian Basin — from the practice room to the recital hall — are designed by STEINWAY & SONS. 

The University of Texas Permian Basin Music program received the honored designation as an All-Steinway School on Saturday, January 21, 2012. Danny Saliba, owner, and president for Steinway Hall - Dallas, and Brian Emore, director of institutional sales, attended the designation ceremony. 

All-Steinway Schools demonstrate a commitment to excellence by providing their students and faculties with the best equipment possible for the study of music. “This designation is a celebration of excellence and a salute to UTPB and the donors that made this happen,” said Brian Elmore. 

To qualify as an All-Steinway School, 90% of the piano inventory must be manufactured by Steinway & Sons - the only American-based manufacturer of pianos today. There are 135 All-Steinway Schools worldwide and seven in the state of Texas. 

“I am thrilled that UTPB has joined the ranks of such prestigious institutions as Julliard and 130 other music schools across the globe,” said Dan Keast, associate professor of music. “ It is fitting that the only university in West Texas accredited for music teacher certification demonstrate its commitment to excellence in this manner.” 

“UTPB is honored to be recognized by Steinway & Sons for excellence in music,” said David Watts, past-president of UTPB. 

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices primarily among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America and certain other international sites approved by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees. The Commission also accepts applications for membership from domestic institutions in the other 39 states and international institutions of higher education around the world. 

Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of The University of Texas Permian Basin.