What began as a modest music department in 1940 has transformed into the renowned Moores School of Music. Today we stand before a place where musical dreams take flight. The Rebecca and John J. Moores School of Music is a cornerstone of the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts.
In 1991, alumni John and Rebecca Moores made a multimillion-dollar gift. This act of generosity led to the school being named in their honor. It also enabled the construction of the state-of-the-art facility we see today. The Moores School of Music officially began operation in this building in 1997.
The Moores School boasts a faculty of 80 world-class instructors. They guide nearly 600 music majors. The school offers a comprehensive range of degrees. These include Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts. You can study music performance, conducting, theory, composition, music history, literature, pedagogy, and music education here. The Moores School is also a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Inside the Moores School of Music Building, a vibrant world of music unfolds. The centerpiece is the 800-seat Moores Opera House. Its ceiling features a mural by the celebrated artist Frank Stella. Light fixtures by Isaac Maxwell add to the ambiance. The green room showcases paintings by Ary Stillman. The building also houses 50 teaching studios. There are 60 practice rooms for students to hone their skills. You will find a library, listening and composition facilities, and a recording studio here. Four rehearsal halls accommodate large ensembles. A comfortable lounge provides a space for students to relax and connect. Some facilities in the old Fine Arts Building, such as the Dudley Recital Hall, are still used by the Moores School.
The Moores School offers a varied schedule of concerts and recitals. These feature students, faculty, and guest performers. Ensembles include the Wind Ensemble. It has received multiple Grammy nominations. The Moores School Symphony Orchestra is also notable. Other ensembles include the Concert Chorale, AURA, and the Jazz Orchestra. You might also hear the Mariachi Pumas. Do not forget the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band. The Edythe Bates Old Moores Opera Center presents high-quality productions.
Beyond its academic programs, the Moores School of Music extends its reach to the wider community. It hosts the Texas Music Festival. This annual summer program offers concerts and intensive instruction. There is also the Cougar Band Camp, a week-long summer program. The International Piano Festival features concerts and master classes. The annual Moores School of Music Jazz Festival is a favorite. Floot Fire is an annual five-day festival for flutists.
Many Moores School of Music graduates remain in the Houston area. They contribute significantly to the community’s musical landscape. However, you can find alumni on concert stages and college faculties worldwide.
The Moores School of Music isn’t just a building. It is a vibrant hub of creativity, education, and community engagement. It shapes the future of music in Houston and beyond. Take a moment to appreciate the dedication and talent that resonate within these walls.