Three male students in caps and gowns looking at the music center

Mission & Vision

Inspiring excellence. Cultivating connection. Shaping the future of music.

At the University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, we are a creative, scholarly, and educational community that champions growth, connection, and excellence. We embrace a variety of musical traditions while fostering innovation in performance, pedagogy, and research.

Our mission is to empower the next generation of musicians and scholars through meaningful collaboration, welcoming values, and a forward-thinking approach to the arts.

Our Values Pillars

We are guided by five foundational values that shape every aspect of our college:

Community

We cultivate a culture of belonging by:

  • Fostering mutual respect, positivity, fairness, and honesty.
  • Actively engaging with one another and our audiences through collaborative music-making and shared experiences.

Connections

We broaden our impact by:

  • Creating opportunities for all communities within and beyond the College.
  • Engaging audiences and the scholarly community in meaningful, innovative ways.

Relevance

We prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world by:

  • Claiming our place in today’s evolving musical, technological, and cultural landscapes.
  • Empowering them to find their passion, own their future, and build the skills and networks needed for a career in the arts.

Student Futures

We prioritize student-driven success by:

  • Encouraging students to lead their own educational journeys through artistic and intellectual exploration.
  • Equipping them with life and career skills that support personal and professional excellence.

Wellness & Balance

We support the whole musician by:

  • Promoting a healthy balance between academic, artistic, and personal responsibilities.
  • Integrating physical and mental wellness strategies into our curriculum and culture.