Natalie L. Haslam College of Music

UT String Project Makes Music Accessible to Knoxville Schoolchildren

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The UT String Project runs first-, second-, and third-year classes on campus for Knoxville children during fall and spring semesters. The classes consist mainly of elementary-age children, with some middle school students in private, upper-level lessons. Typically, such instruction costs hundreds of dollars, but String Project offers accessible price points with UT undergraduate and graduate music students teaching classes. UT students lead classes under the guidance of two master teachers, who work outside the university as fulltime music teachers.

Behind the Music: A Look Inside the Akropolis Reed Quintet Residency 

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For one unforgettable week, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music welcomed the internationally acclaimed, GRAMMY-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet for a dynamic residency in February 2025, immersing students in the artistry, collaboration, and innovation that define chamber music at its best. Now, in our latest video, we’re pulling back the curtain on this inspiring experience. 

Throughout their residency, Akropolis engaged with students across disciplines, from coaching ensembles and leading masterclasses to exploring the creative intersections of music and entrepreneurship. Their passion for redefining the boundaries of classical performance left a lasting impact, offering students a firsthand look at the dedication and ingenuity required to succeed in today’s music economy. 

UT College of Music To Be Named After Natalie L. Haslam

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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Music will be named the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, following approval by the Board of Trustees during its meeting that ended June 25.

The recognition is in honor of alumna Natalie L. Haslam, a member of the Haslam family, which is among the university’s most generous benefactors.

“I am not a musician, but music has always meant a lot to me,” said Haslam. “If we are lucky, music is a part of our lives at almost every turn – from the church services and weddings we attend, to football, basketball and other sports functions, and even to the parties, movies, plays and social activities in our lives. There’s always music. At the University of Tennessee, we are blessed to have an amazing music program, and Jim and I appreciate that very much. I’m honored to have my name associated with it.”

The college resides within a state-of-the-art facility, which in 2013 unified all music programs under one roof. Formally established in 2023 as an independent college — having evolved from the School of Music — it is the first college of music at a public university in Tennessee and the first in the Southeastern Conference. It is the fourth named college in UT’s 230-year history, joining the Haslam College of Business, the Herbert College of Agriculture and the Tickle College of Engineering.

“Natalie Haslam’s love for her alma mater and her appreciation for music and the arts have been both an inspiration and a benefit to us all. I am grateful for the generations of Volunteers who will hone their talents at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music and who will pursue lives and careers that continue to extend the joy of music to others,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman.

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