Department of Music reaccredited by NASM through 2033 – Grambling State University

Music has been one of the foundations for Grambling State University (GSU), with its first music classes being offered in 1905.
And it will continue to do so long into the future, as shown by GSU’s recent reaccreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
That accreditation is in effect as of Spring 2025. The next NASM review of Grambling State’s Music Department will take place in the 2032-33 school year.
“I am elated to announce that our music department has been reaffirmed by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM),” said Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Head of GSU’s Music Department and Director of the World Famed Marching Tiger Band. “This prestigious accreditation not only highlights our commitment to excellence in music but also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students.
“Achieving and maintaining this national accreditation is no small feat. It reflects our unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience and fostering a vibrant community of musicians. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing our mission of inspiring and cultivating the next generation of musical talent.”
Founded in 1924, NASM is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 628 accredited institutional members.
NASM establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.
Grambling State’s  Department of Music views its role at the university as both an academic and a service unit whose mission is to provide programs of study for both music majors and non-music majors and to educate future music professionals through appropriate curricular offerings leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree with three concentrations — Bachelor of Arts in Music (Liberal Arts), Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music (Sound Recording Technology) and Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (Instrumental, Vocal).
The Liberal Arts concentration is designed for those students who are seeking a solid foundation of various non-teaching music careers.
In addition, students have the option to continue their studies at the graduate level. Special requirements in this curriculum include 1) grades of “C” or higher in all music courses, and 2) a public senior recital on the major instrument/ voice for successful completion of this course of study. Grades lower than “C” in music courses will not count toward the degree. The senior recital must be approved by the applied music teacher and the recital committee.
GSU students can select a major from the following areas of applied music:  Baritone Horn, Guitar, Trumpet, Bassoon, Oboe, Trombone, Cello, Organ, Tuba, Clarinet, Percussions, Viola, Cornet, Piano, Violin, Flute, Saxophone, Voice, French Horn, String Bass.
Students pursuing the Music Education-Instrumental or the Music Education-Vocal concentration must complete the required program outlined in general, specialized academic, and professional education areas. The program leads to teacher certification at the K-12 level.
In instrumental music, candidates may choose band or orchestra. The academic advisor will provide specific course selections that apply to the respective option. Students must check with their academic advisor for updated curriculum changes required by state and national accreditation bodies that may affect existing requirements.
Each student must declare a primary applied area of focus as indicated in each degree plan. Students must present a recital as noted in the specific degree program. The recital must be approved by the applied music teacher and the recital committee.
The mission of the Music Department, an academic and service unit whose programs and activities are planned and executed in full agreement with university goals and objectives, is to:
To earn NASM reaccreditation, GSU had to review current standards with regard to the delivery of coursework through distance learning means, ensuring that compliance with standards is maintained by the institution
As part of the reaccreditation process, institutions are asked to note in particular that 1) all programs of study falling under the purview of NASM delivered entirely or partially away from regular face-to-face interactions must be submitted for review by NASM; and 2) institutions must provide, in institutional publications as appropriate, a listing, or designation, or indication of all music programs offered either entirely or partially through distance learning means.
The institution must also designate in publications whether required courses are offered through distance learning and/or on ground in-person means.
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Grambling, Louisiana 71245
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