Department of Music
In the Department of Music at St. Mary’s University, students explore the varied musical traditions of the past and present through a curriculum of historical, theoretical and applied courses.
The program trains musicians to be teachers and performers, and prepares them to pursue graduate and doctoral degrees.
The Department of Music also celebrates the creative human spirit through musical performance. Students often collaborate with the Drama department to produce and perform in musicals and operas.
About Us
The Department of Music also works closely with the Education Department at St. Mary’s to ensure that students majoring in music and seeking State of Texas teacher certification are prepared to meet all requirements for teacher certification in accordance with the standards established by the Texas Education Agency and Texas State Board for Educator Certification.
It is the mission of the Department of Music to provide the artistic foundation for the University. The department contributes to the advancement of the human family in two ways: by expanding aesthetic awareness in the community, and by celebrating the creative human spirit though musical performance.
In its educational role the department offers historical, theoretical, and applied classes which explore the varied artistic traditions of the past and present. The Department of Music strives to introduce undergraduate students to western civilization’s musical heritage.
Committed to artistic excellence, the department serves the university and the city of San Antonio with performances and exhibits that, while striving toward inclusiveness, promote the Catholic artistic tradition and engage in interpreting the ever-present dialogue between faith and culture.
The St. Mary’s University Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Department Mission
Music Scholarships and Auditions
The St. Mary’s University Department of Music is excited to welcome you to our annual Scholarship Auditions! Whether you’re a vocalist, instrumentalist, composer or music enthusiast, we invite you to audition and showcase your exceptional musical abilities.
This is your chance to shine and potentially receive financial support to further your musical education.
Fiesta Jazz Festival
For more than 50 years, St. Mary’s has hosted the annual Fiesta Jazz Festival Band Concert and Band Festival on campus. Renowned local, regional and national jazz musicians come to the University, where they perform for the St. Mary’s and San Antonio communities. The Band Festival is where area high schools and middle school students are critiqued and compete for trophies. Honor Band recipients are selected from these groups. Clinics and the chance to see award-winning musicians are enjoyed by all in attendance.
Low Brass Day
The annual St. Mary’s University Low Brass Day is dedicated to advancing high school students on trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, and tuba and preparing for the upcoming Texas All-State auditions.
Summer Camps
Summer Musical Theatre Camp
St. Mary’s Musical Theatre Camp is a fun and unique experience that offers students ages 14-19 (OR will turn 14 on or before Sept. 1) the opportunity to learn a full-length Broadway musical in just one week. Ending the week with two performances free to the public, every student will have a chance to showcase skills learned on the stage or behind the scenes.
Summer Band Camp
Join us for St. Mary’s University Summer Band Camp! Open to students in grades 6-12, the camp offers full band rehearsals, technique classes, fun electives, and a final concert. Enjoy a week of music-making and enhance your skills with us.
Summer Jazz Camp
The St. Mary’s University Summer Jazz Camp offers middle and high school students (ages 12-18) an immersive jazz experience with top faculty. Students refine their skills, enjoy daily faculty performances, and conclude the week with a final showcase in Conference Room A at the University Center.
Summer Orchestra Camp
St. Mary’s University proudly presents a Summer Orchestra Camp this June! Join us for a structured week of orchestra rehearsals, technique classes, fun electives, and a final concert.
Exceptional Classroom Experiences
Amazon Prime’s The College Tour is a TV series, hosted by Alex Boylan, that tells the story of a single college through the lens of its students. Alex interviewed Savannah Palmer, a St. Mary’s music education major and flautist, who dreams of becoming a high school band director.
Contact Us
Matthew Mireles, D.M.A.
Chair, Department of Music
St. Mary’s Universitymmireles1@stmarytx.edu
210-436-3421
Academic Programs in the Department of Music
Faculty in the Department of Music
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Joseph Caploe Adjunct Professor of Percussion -
Kristin Delia Hayes, D.M. Adjunct Professor of Flute -
Philip Johnson Adjunct Professor of Violin -
Daniel Long, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Music -
Matthew Mireles, D.M.A. Chair of the Department of Music -
Steve Peterson Adjunct Professor of Trombone -
Maria Smith Director of the Liturgical Choir -
Brother Michael Sullivan, S.M., D.M.A. Professor of Music -
Carol Vokes Adjunct Professor of Piano -
Adrian Ruiz, D.M.A. Director of Jazz Studies -
Bassam Nashawati Orchestra Director -
Qizhen Liu, D.M.A. Adjunct Professor of Cello -
Jason Valdez Adjunct Professor of Guitar -
Michael Gómez Adjunct Professor of Music Production -
Richard Herrera, M.Ed, M.A., B.M.Ed. Adjunct Professor -
Zack Varner D.M.A. Adjunct Professor of Woodwinds -
Mark Alexander, D.M.A. Adjunct Professor of Piano