University of Lynchburg has earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), one of only 14 Virginia colleges and universities to receive the designation.
LC Music Department Chair Dr. Cynthia Ramsey, who spearheaded the accreditation process, said, “Earning this national accreditation is a huge feather in University of Lynchburg’s cap. We are excited about the recruitment possibilities and the prestige this brings to the College.”
The accreditation process began in the fall of 2010 and involved an extensive self-study, accreditation on-site review, curriculum updates and revisions to the major emphases of study. Dr. Ramsey believes the accreditation will increase the value of a music degree from LC.
“Not many schools in Virginia have this accreditation, particularly schools our size,” Dr. Ramsey explained, adding that there is only one other private college in Virginia to be accredited by NASM. “The goal of this accreditation is to align our curriculum with everyone else in the nation. As a result, a music degree from LC will mean something on the national stage.”
University of Lynchburg offers the B.A. degree in music, which prepares students to become professional performers or music teachers, and the M.A. in music, which provides advanced training in choral and instrumental conducting.
Other Virginia institutions with NASM accreditation include Christopher Newport, George Mason, Hampton, James Madison, Longwood, Norfolk State, Old Dominion, Radford, Shenandoah, Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia State universities, the University of Mary Washington and Virginia Tech.