1. Introduction & General Information

The School of Music at Baylor University was established in 1921 and has grown to a current undergraduate and graduate enrollment of approximately 375 students pursuing degrees in music.  The School of Music employs approximately 60 full-time faculty members and is housed within five facilities around the 1,000-acre Baylor University campus.

Bachelor of Music Degrees

• Performance
• Church Music
• Composition
• Music History and Literature
• Music Theory
• Piano Pedagogy

Bachelor of Music Education Degree

• Choral Music
• Instrumental Music

The Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Music (Applied Studies, Academic Studies, and Church Music) is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Secondary Majors for non-music majors are offered in the areas of Instrumental, Keyboard, and Vocal Performance.

Undergraduate Certificates (available to both majors and non-majors)

• Orchestral Conducting
• Jazz Studies

Master of Music Degrees

• Church Music
• Composition
• Conducting
• Music History and Literature
• Music Theory
• Performance
• Collaborative Piano
• Piano Pedagogy and Performance

Doctor of Philosophy in Church Music

Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music

Advanced Performers Certificate in Piano or Organ

Waco Hall

This historical facility houses the administrative offices of the School of Music, the Keyboard Division, the Academic Division, the Music Education Division, and the Vocal Division. Within the Waco Hall Complex, the facility is home to the 2,500-seat Waco Hall Auditorium, also home to the Waco Symphony Orchestra, the 500-seat Roxy Grove Hall, and the 120-seat Recital Hall II.

The Roxy Grove Wing houses the administrative offices of the School of Music, the piano faculty studios, the piano technical shop, and storage facilities for the School of Music.  The Waco Hall East Wing houses academic, education, voice faculty offices and studios, academic classrooms, as well as the choral division rehearsal hall and choral music library.

The Piano Pedagogy Wing includes space for the Piano Laboratory Program, teaching studios for graduate students, academic classrooms, and is home to the O’Neal Collection of piano pedagogy materials.

McCrary Music Building

The Glennis McCrary Music Building is home to the 1,000-seat Mary Gibbs Jones Concert Hall, which houses the McLane Organ, the 200-seat Meadows Lecture & Recital Hall, the Markham Organ Studio & Recital Hall, and the Hearn Recording Studio.  The building includes practice and rehearsal spaces of various sizes for individual practice to larger ensemble rehearsals, as well as studio and office spaces for the ensemble faculty, instrumental and organ faculty, as well as music libraries for multiple disciplines.

Opera Black Box Theater

The Black Box is located across from the McCrary Music Building and behind the Lewis Art Building.  Home to the Baylor Opera Theatre Program, the Black Box Theater consists of a rehearsal studio, costume and scenic shops, and prop storage.

Harris House

Home to the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies, the Harris House facility houses faculty and staff offices of the Baylor Church Music Division. The facility includes designated space for Doctoral research and discussions, as well as workspace for students of all levels.

Wiethorn Building

The Wiethorn Building is located adjacent to the McCrary Music Building and Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Building.  The facility is a shared space between the School of Music and the Baylor Theater Arts programs, primarily used for classroom and lecture space, masterclasses, and as an additional rehearsal space.

The School of Music follows the Baylor University Academic Calendars:

• Baylor University Undergraduate Academic Calendar
• Baylor University Graduate Academic Calendar

Leadership/Staff Directory

Faculty Directory

Assistant to the Dean: (Angeline Townsend)

• Provides administrative support to the Dean by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, maintaining confidential files, overseeing key faculty and staff processes.
• Communicates with University and community constituents on behalf of the Dean.
• Manages tenure and promotion in collaboration with the Dean & Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
• Assists with all faculty and staff search & hiring processes and procedures
• Develop fall and spring meeting schedules in coordination with the Scheduling Manager.
• Assist with annual faculty and staff evaluation processes and procedures.

Business Office and Administration

Business Officer: (Angela Traylor) music_finanace@baylor.edu

• Provides strategic financial and administrative leadership for the School of Music, ensuring sound fiscal management & compliance with policies,
• Advise the Dean on financial and administrative matters and represent the School on strategic business issues as delegated
• Oversee financial reporting, forecasting, and expense analysis to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency, including monitoring and reporting unit-level performance metrics, including spending, cost-sharing, and funding sources.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, audit requirements, and external regulations through strong internal controls and risk management practices.
• Administer financial operations, including budgeting, procurement, endowment management, and grant administration.
• Serve as a liaison between the School, University Advancement, Research Development Office, and other departments to support external funding opportunities.

Financial Administrator: (Lori Clifton) music_finanace@baylor.edu

• Process and review procurement requisitions, expense reports, pre-travel authorizations, and student payments, ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal guidelines.
• Oversee procure-to-pay activities, advising faculty and staff on appropriate procurement, contract, travel, and expense procedures.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Payment Services on special purchases and transactions.
• Provide guidance and training on financial policies, systems, and processes as needed.

Administrative Assistant (Main Office): (Kimberly Byrd)

• Provide front-office support, including answering phones, greeting and directing visitors, and responding to general inquiries.
• Administrative assistance to the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and department chairs, including scheduling and communications.
• Manage office supply inventory and oversee copier maintenance in Roxy Grove and the WHE complex.
• Oversee mailroom operations, including distribution of mail and packages for Roxy Grove and WHE.
• Maintain recital attendance records

Administrative Coordinator for Band: (Ashley Parker)

• Plan and execute all elements (events, meals, travel, scheduling) for the Golden Wave Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Courtside Players and various other athletic bands
• Work closely with band faculty to meet instructional needs for rehearsals, academic courses, supplies, travel, and guest coordination.
• Oversee, assist, and coordinate all Golden Wave Band instructional staff, student managers and student staff, ensemble librarians, ensemble setup crew, holiday athletic band events, and other student employees as needed for special events
• Maintain records for bands (digital and in house music, concert repertoire)
• Coordinate with Financial Administrator on all purchase related to marching band and band ensembles
• Coordinate with Scheduling Manager to secure locations and classroom space for events and rehearsals
• Manage marching band uniform inventory

Marketing:  Music_marketing@baylor.edu

Director of Marketing: 

• Lead the design, development, and management of the School's marketing materials, including recital, concert and other print programs, season brochures, posters, lobby and digital signage, and related print and digital materials, managing the full production cycle of a high-volume performance calendar.
• Plan, implement, and manage integrated marketing and communications initiatives
• Manage the development and distribution of content across multiple platforms, including websites, email campaigns, social media, digital advertising, print publications, press releases and video projects. 
• Maintain collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and campus partners to support communication efforts and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
• Assure compliance with University marketing and branding standards. 

Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist:

• Create performance programs, posters, brochures, and social graphics for student and faculty events, coordinating production with internal and external print vendors.
• Maintain a master content calendar for email, social media, print, and other channels; coordinate content delivery across platforms.
• Manage official School of Music social media channels 
• Draft and edit email newsletters, event announcements, and marketing copy
• Oversee daily workflow for marketing tasks and events using project management tools, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.

Operations

Assistant Dean for Operations: (Guy Mor)

• Provide leadership and supervision for operations staff, fostering teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee all aspects of operational processes, including space utilization, room reservations, building access, facility rentals, and office moves.
• Oversee the front-of-house audience experience and back-of-house performer experience, continuously improving operations by implementing feedback for enhancements.
• Collaborate with university offices (e.g., Parking, Security, IT, Maintenance) and external vendors to meet operational needs.
• Provide production management and support for VIP events, including technical coordination.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal safety regulations.
• Assist with onboarding and setup for all new hires in SOM.
• Oversee ticketing systems, customer service, and facility rental operations, including metrics tracking to support audience engagement and revenue growth.
• Partner with School leadership to develop and implement policies related to operations, facilities, and events.

Equipment Administrator: (Rachel Alston)

• Oversees the inventory, maintenance, and distribution of School of Music resources, ensuring proper usage and providing support for faculty, staff, and students.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels using an inventory control system and communicate with students and faculty to ensure compliance with equipment rentals.
• Arrange rental equipment as needed, managing delivery, pickup, and compliance with rental agreements.
• Support operational staff by providing backup assistance for related areas.
• Manage supply inventory, including coordinating with the Financial Administrator for orders for faculty and staff (e.g., ink toner, paper, etc.) and Facilitate daily campus deliveries.
• Sort and distribute mail for faculty/staff and prepare outgoing mail each day for pick up.
• Oversee instrument and locker rentals for students.

Scheduling Manager: (Leah Vagts) music_scheduling@baylor.edu

• Schedule all rehearsals, labs, meetings, student and performances for School of Music students, faculty, and staff in the Scheduling System, coordinating decisions with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage and update the School of Music’s internal calendar.
• Create, review, and distribute academic course schedules in collaboration with faculty and administrators, ensuring alignment with operational timelines.
• Coordinate SOM facility scheduling and reservations for external groups.

Facilities Coordinator: (Hayden Johnson) music_facilities@baylor.edu

• Oversee daily operations and maintenance of music facilities and performance spaces
• Submit and manage work orders and maintenance requests, acting as the liaison with the Physical Plant and other campus offices (e.g., IT, Custodial, Security).
• Coordinate cleaning and maintenance schedules for performance spaces.
• Serve as house manager for major events, assisting concert patrons, supervising student ushers, and coordinating with Recital credit scanners.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal safety regulations.

Recording Studio Manager: (Rick Carpenter)

• Record and livestream all performances and events within the School of Music.
• Ensure recording quality through professional techniques, postproduction, and system improvements.
• Serve as production engineer for performances and events requiring advanced expertise in audio engineering and live-stream management.
• Provide recordings to the library for archiving to meet NASM accreditation requirements.
• Manage and store recordings for distribution to performers and internal archives.

Community Engagement Coordinator: (Beverly Shultz)

• Plan, coordinate, and execute community outreach initiatives and summer camp programs.
• Oversee administrative tasks for summer camps and outreach projects, including registration, enrollment, and impact reporting.
• Work with leadership to manage program budgets and follow university guidelines for risk management.
• Support and coordinate special events on and off campus to raise the School of Music’s profile.

Head Piano Technician: (Darren Roos)

• Responsible for the tuning, maintenance, and repair of all School of Music pianos and harpsichords.
• Oversee the maintenance and tuning of piano inventory.
• Maintain records of inventory and service
• Supervise and schedule maintenance provided by contract technicians
• Oversee the maintenance and tuning of piano inventory, including:

Piano Technician II: 

• Supports the maintenance, preparation, and improvement of the School of Music’s keyboard inventory

• Evaluate piano inventory needs and upgrades and plan large repair and reconditioning projects in consultation with the head technician.
• Assist and facilitate instrument moves around campus under the supervision of the head technician.
• Respond to service requests as submitted by students and faculty via our piano tech service needs platform.
• Maintain detailed records of instrument service needs, completed services, and instrument condition.

Production & Event’s Coordinator: (Sarah Ramos)

• Plan and coordinate School of Music events in collaboration with the Operations Staff.
• Manage school-wide events, including requesting rooms and resources, coordinating catering, housekeeping, and furniture deliveries.
• Serve as a liaison to vendors for catering, event planning, and related services.
• Act as stage manager for productions, supervising student workers and ensuring performances meet School of Music standards.
• Oversee stage and rehearsal room use, coordinate schedules for student workers, and ensure a safe performance environment.
• Work collaboratively with the Operations staff to fulfill technical needs and prepare spaces and materials for rehearsals and productions.
• Assign and coordinate student workers for operations activities, including concerts, recitals, and other events requiring production support.

Academic

Assistant Dean for Enrollment & Student Success:

• Oversee all aspects of enrollment management for the SOM, including applications, auditions, admissions, and advising processes
• Acts as liaison to other University offices on matters concerning admissions, scholarships, financial aid, enrollment, career services, and other student services.
• Develop and implement policies to streamline and optimize recruitment, admissions, and student success processes in collaboration with faculty, staff, and university stakeholders.
  • Work closely with faculty and serve on committees, as needed, to develop and implement recruitment tools and ideas to increase the number of prospective students
• Provide oversight for all student success initiatives, ensuring alignment with the School of Music’s goals for retention, engagement, and academic achievement.

Admissions & Recruitment Specialist: (Patricia Christmas)

• Oversee the admissions process, including managing applications and coordinating auditions, interviews, and portfolio reviews in collaboration with faculty.
• Coordinate Audition Day schedule and activities.
• In collaboration with the Graduate Music Advisor and Program Manager, serve as a point of contact for prospective students throughout the admissions process.
• Represent the School of Music at college fairs, conferences, high school visits
• Coordinate and schedule School of Music tours and campus visits in collaboration with faculty and key campus personnel.

Undergraduate Program Coordinator & Academic Advisor: (Caleb Kubera)

• Manage undergraduate academic programs in the School of Music, providing advising, tracking student progress, and ensuring compliance with university policies.
• Monitor academic progress of all students and handle academic actions related to probation, suspension, and reinstatement of students each semester.
• Assist with New Student Orientation in coordination with other key SOM personnel
• Ensure current university policies and deadlines are met by the School of Music (i.e. registration, add/drop, etc...)
• Process and submit scholarship award letters and scholarship reduction/removal letters
• Coordinate clinical teacher placements for BME students, including communication with district HR, schools, required documentation or MOUs.

Graduate Program Coordinator & Academic Advisor: 

• Oversee graduate student records, admissions, and compliance with university policies while supporting program administration
• Ensure current university policies and deadlines are met by the School of Music (i.e. registration, add/drop, etc...)
• Communicate on a regular basis about graduate courses, majors, degree requirements, and policies/procedures with students and faculty
• Coordinate the onboarding of new SoM graduate students
• Prepare contracts for graduate associate positions
• Coordinate graduate student employment and hiring. Maintain and monitor database on hours worked by graduate student biweekly employees

Undergraduate Academic Advisor: (Kaitlyn Hatfield)

• Supports undergraduate and prospective music students by providing academic guidance. 
• Monitor academic progress of all students and handle academic actions related to probation, suspension, and reinstatement of students each semester.
• Ensure current university policies and deadlines are met by the School of Music (i.e. registration, add/drop, etc...)
• Maintain undergraduate student records.
• Provide support to the Assistant Dean for Enrollment and Student Success with coordinating undergraduate student success initiatives.
• Assist with New Student Orientation in coordination with other key SOM personnel

Research Development support for grants includes:

• Finding Grant Funding: Baylor-curated funding lists, Baylor subscribed funding search engines (Pivot and GrantForward) with training videos, Internal funding, and a Limited Submission Policy.
• Baylor Grant Toolkits: Planners, Shells, Templates, and Guides.
• Early Career Faculty Resources for Grants: NSF CAREER, NIH K01, and other grants.
• Grant Writing Training: In-person grant workshops (see below), previous grant workshops (PowerPoint or PowerPoint with Video), and two books: Baylor Grant Writing Handbook and New Faculty Guide to Competing for Research Funding.
• Broader Impacts: led by Research Development Broader Impacts Specialist Sherry_DeHay@baylor.edu.
• Large/Collaborative grant support: our newest initiative is helping to support and coordinate grant projects involving several PIs or different departments.