Finding Success with your Degree Program

Soprano Latonia Moore, a UNT alumna, has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera and the Hamburg State Opera in iconic roles including the title roles in Aida and in Madame Butterfly.

The path to musical success

UNT is located in Denton, a friendly college town with a thriving music scene that has gained recognition from The New York Times and Rolling Stone magazine, among others. Located 40 miles north of Dallas and Fort Worth, Denton is a part of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan regions and has an abundance of jobs, internships and performance opportunities. Learn more about local opportunities in the arts.

College of Music students have placed as national winners or finalists in a wide variety of competitions, including the Fischoff Competition, Naumburg Competition, North American Saxophone Alliance Competition, International Tuba and Euphonium Competition, Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival, BMI Composers Awards, International Clarinet Competitions, International Trombone Society Competitions, National Flute Association Competitions, North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam), the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition, Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest, and National Organ Playing Competition.

Our graduates hold positions across the spectrum of the music profession, and around the world, including:

  • teachers and scholars in schools, colleges, universities and conservatories
  • performers in orchestras, bands, opera, choruses, jazz and recordings
  • employees in the music industry
  • composers in the concert hall, television and film

Notable alumni of the UNT College of Music include:

Adolfo Acosta, trumpeter, Tower of Power

Christopher Adkins, principal cellist, Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Robert Blocker, dean, Yale University School of Music

Keith Carlock, drummer for Sting and Steely Dan

Kristopher Carter, composer, Emmy Award winner for the Batman Beyond cartoon series

Jeff Coffin, saxophonist for Dave Mathews Band, founder of Jeff Coffin & the Mu'tet and three-time Grammy Award winner

Michael Daugherty, composer, four-time Grammy Award winner

Clint Foreman, flutist, Boston Symphony Orchestra

Don Henley, singer/songwriter, producer, drummer and two-time Grammy Award winner

Mark Jenkins, euphonium section leader in “The President’s Own” Marine Band

Norah Jones, vocalist, nine-time Grammy Award winner and UNT Presidential Medal of Honor recipient

Tom "Bones" Jones, jazz musician, former member of "The Blues Brothers" and "Saturday Night Live" bands

Anthony Molinaro, pianist, winner of the Naumburg International Piano Competition

Patricia Racette, soprano with the Teatro alla Scala and the New York Metropolitan Opera

Snarky Puppy, jazz and funk collective, two-time Grammy Award Winner

Duain Wolfe, chorus director, Chicago Symphony Chorus

 

See more notable and famous musical UNT alumni.

View more alumni and student accomplishments.

View our Alumni Facts page.

Explore career development resources for musicians.