Shepherd University School of Music

Ranked in the Top-100 Best Value Colleges for Music Majors

Dear School of Music Community,

As we closed this past academic year, there is one feeling that permeates everything – gratitude. This year has had its fair share of challenges as we all know. The pandemic and its effects changed the way we shared music with our audiences and the way we educate the next generation of musicians and teachers. The students, faculty, and staff of the School of Music dedicated ourselves to finding new ways to study and perform music safely. We dedicated ourselves to continuing our pursuit of the high level of musical excellence indicative of Shepherd University. Most importantly, we were dedicated to supporting each other as friends, peers, and colleagues, and diligent in keeping each other safe. For this, we are incredibly grateful.

Our Shepherd faculty are truly astounding and worked tirelessly to deliver the most meaningful musical experiences possible to the Shepherd music students. From virtual choir rehearsals to extra Zoom review sessions to outdoor rehearsals, the faculty went the extra two miles to provide students the educational experiences necessary to grow into the professional musicians and teachers they aspire to become.

Our Shepherd students taught us a lot this past year. They’ve shown us what it means to be resilient. They’ve reminded us of their incredible dedication to an art form they’ve chosen as their life’s work. They’ve inspired us with their astounding level of professionalism. When faced with an entirely unfamiliar way of presenting music, these students met the challenge head-on and performed like true professionals. This has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years for musicians and performing artists. With all that they have accomplished despite these conditions, they have incredibly bright futures ahead of them!

There is also immense gratitude for all of the members of our wider community. Though we could not welcome you to the Frank Center in person for concerts, we are very grateful for your support of our virtual events throughout the past year – watching ensemble broadcast concerts or tuning in to a senior recital on our YouTube channel. Your support meant so much to us and we look forward to welcoming live audiences to the Frank Center this coming fall!

Have a wonderful and enjoyable summer. We look forward to the future!

We look forward to sharing our music with you!

Kurtis Adams,
Director, School of Music

The Shepherd University School of Music deeply mourns the loss of Dr. Scott Beard. Dr. Beard was a passionate musician, teacher, and mentor to so many music students through the years and a dear friend and colleague to us all. His energy and warm smile inspired all of those around him. We miss you Dr. Beard.