<p>Since the news of my S's prospective horn teacher leaving Frost for the University of New Mexico (UNM), we are wondering if anyone has any familiarity with the program out West. The academic requirements for UNM seem way below Miami, but maybe the music program is a hidden gem???</p>
<p>I did a quick forum search, and U New Mexico is mentioned only briefly in passing with no detail. mamenyu seems to have a good knowledge of a number of west coast/rockies area programs, and tomdug and othermusicdad may have some insights based on their student’s preliminary investigations.</p>
<p>Maybe binx can point you in a direction for opinions on U NM horn faculty.</p>
<p>It might be worth a few pm’s.</p>
<p>Thanks violadad. I did get a helpful PM from tomdug. After speaking with the director of bands at UNM, and finding why JD is defecting Frost for UNM, I’m beginning to feel that their music program is an up & coming hidden gem. We’re flying out on Tuesday for a first hand look.</p>
<p>There has been a very purposeful plan to re-vamp their music program over the last decade or so. Nearly all faculty have been replaced with highly successful vibrant mid-career musicians who have a passion for teaching and growing an upscale first class music school. Hence their “stealing” JD Shaw from Frost. The program has been developing ongoing residencies and recurring workshop/clinic type thingys with folks from the top orchestras. For example the 10-day Alessi (of NYPhil) seminar alternates between Italy and UNM. Plus it’s convenient that the New Mexico Symphony performs right on campus at Popejoy Hall.</p>
<p>maybe they are “stealing” faculty to upgrade the way Rice/Shephard school of Music did a decade ago</p>