College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
School of Music and Dance Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, The School of Music and Dance is grateful to its donors, friends, and supporters, whose generosity helps sustain excellence in music and dance education. Thanks to philanthropic support, students performed with renowned guest artists and participated in workshops, master classes, residencies, and lectures led by world-class musicians, choreographers, scholars, and arts leaders. Donor generosity also funded scholarships and supported travel, performance, and professional development opportunities. During the 2025-26 academic year, the School hosted more than 250 events and engaged audiences throughout the region, including performances in downtown San Diego, Imperial Beach, and El Cajon. Faculty continued to earn recognition for their work in performance, scholarship, choreography, conducting, composition, and audio design, bringing that expertise directly into the classroom. With your support, the School of Music and Dance continues to prepare the next generation of performers, educators, and arts professionals while enriching communities through the performing arts.
Kevin M. Delgado, Ph.D. Director and Associate Professor School of Music and Dance
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Cruzan Jazz Guest Artist Series The Cruzan Jazz Guest Artist Series enriched the educational experience of SDSU jazz students by bringing nationally and internationally recognized artists to campus for masterclasses, workshops, rehearsals, coaching sessions, and performances. These immersive experiences provided students with direct access to accomplished professionals, allowing them to receive individualized feedback, refine their performance skills, and gain valuable insight into careers in the music industry. The series also expanded opportunities for community engagement through public performances and outreach activities, strengthening connections among SDSU, the professional jazz community, and audiences throughout the region.
The SDSU Jazz Ensemble delivers a dynamic performance, showcasing the talent, artistry, and collaborative spirit of student musicians.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Izzy Clough, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Music Education Izzy Clough is an outstanding music education student whose SDSU experience has been defined by performance, leadership, and teaching. She has participated in University Chorus, Treble Choir, and Concert Band while serving as a section leader in both University Chorus and Treble Choir. She recently expanded her leadership skills by conducting a piece in performance. In addition to her coursework, Izzy teaches private music lessons and participates in a music education fellowship, working directly with students and a mentor teacher. These experiences have helped her develop confidence and strengthen her teaching abilities. Reflecting on her growth, Izzy shared, “The more I've calmed my nerves and trusted myself and my confidence in what I'm teaching, the better teacher I am and the better experiences I have with the students.” After graduation, Izzy plans to earn her teaching credential and teach in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She credits Ramon Cardenas for his mentorship and encourages future students to enjoy the full college experience and appreciate each moment along the way.
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Izzy Clough is an outstanding music education student whose SDSU experience has been defined by performance, leadership, and teaching.
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Student Spotlight
Stephanie Smith, Class of 2026 Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Vocal Performance Stephanie Smith is an outstanding Master of Music student in vocal performance whose SDSU experience has been defined by artistic excellence, teaching, and leadership. Her final recital featured works by Bach, Rachmaninov, Rodrigo, and Milhaud, showcasing a wide range of musical styles and her expressive artistry as a vocalist. Beyond performance, Stephanie developed a passion for teaching and directing. She taught undergraduate courses in music history and group voice while exploring opera directing through assistant directing and leading her own opera scenes production. These experiences helped her grow as both an educator and artist. Reflecting on her goals, Stephanie shared, “Not only do I aim to become a highly expressive performer within my career, but I also have great aspirations to become an impactful educator in higher academia.” Stephanie credits SDSU faculty for helping her grow as a performer, teacher, and director. Her family and friends describe her as hardworking, driven, empathetic, and understanding—qualities that continue to shape her approach to music and education.
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Stephanie credits SDSU faculty for helping her grow as a performer, teacher, and director.
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Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Current Rankings SDSU ranked No. 81 among the best colleges for music nationally. Statistics of Interest Students can participate in more than 45 performance classes and ensembles each semester, including orchestras, bands, choirs, jazz ensembles, chamber music groups, and dance productions. The School offers 16 undergraduate and graduate degrees and emphases in music and dance. Faculty are active performers, scholars, composers, choreographers, and educators whose professional work informs students’ classroom and performance experiences. Recent Highlights The School hosted more than 250 events, including concerts, dance performances, master classes, lectures, and special programs that connected students with audiences across the region. Students worked directly with renowned guest artists, composers, choreographers, and scholars through residencies, workshops, and master classes, gaining valuable professional experience and mentorship. The School also strengthened community engagement through performances in downtown San Diego, Imperial Beach, and El Cajon, extending the reach of the performing arts beyond campus. Faculty continued to earn national and international recognition for their work in performance, choreography, composition, conducting, scholarship, and audio design. These professional accomplishments enriched classroom instruction and provided students with opportunities to learn from active practitioners in their fields. Through innovative programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning opportunities, the School remains committed to preparing the next generation of performers, educators, scholars, and arts leaders while enriching the cultural life of the region.
Performance Ready
45+ Performance classes and ensembles each semester help students build skills across 16 music and dance degrees.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Texu Kim, Ph.D. Title: Associate Professor of Music Composition and Theory College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Achievement: Dr. Texu Kim’s compositions continue to be performed by leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. His arrangements have also been featured on recordings released by Decca and Deutsche Grammophon. He shared the following: Music has the unique ability to connect people across cultures, experiences, and generations. As a composer and educator, I strive to help students develop both their technical skills and their individual artistic voices. At SDSU, I am inspired by the creativity, curiosity, and dedication of our students. It is rewarding to guide them as they explore new ideas, take creative risks, and discover how their work can contribute to the broader musical landscape. Watching students grow into confident artists and thoughtful collaborators is one of the most meaningful aspects of teaching.
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At SDSU, I am inspired by the creativity, curiosity, and dedication of our students.
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Thank you for your generous support.
University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu