New Horizons Music programs provide entry points to music making for adults, including those with no musical experience at all and also those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long period. Many adults would like an opportunity to learn music in a group setting similar to that offered in schools, but the last entry point in most cases was elementary school. We know that for most of the last century, about 15-20 percent of high school students nationally participated in music. From that, we can estimate that at least 80 percent of the adult population needs beginning instruction in order to participate in making music. New Horizons Music programs serve that need.

on-corps concept philosophy

The first New Horizons program at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York was designed to serve the senior population. A minimum age of 50 was arbitrarily set as a guideline, since that is the age of eligibility for joining the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), one of the first official markers of senior adulthood. Many New Horizons programs started since then are designed specifically for senior adults and have minimum age requirements, but others are open to adults of any age. The policy of one of the New Horizons programs is “If you consider yourself to be an adult, you’re eligible.” The targeted age range and requirements, if any, are local decisions.

A New Horizons Music program should be inclusive rather than exclusive. Every person has musical potential that can be developed to a level that will be personally rewarding. Many adults have been made to feel unmusical, often by parents or music teachers. It is common at New Horizons informational meetings to hear people say things like “My parents said ‘No one in this family has musical talent, so you’re not going to start music classes.’” Or, “My music teacher said ‘Move your lips, but don’t make any sound.’” Those scars last a lifetime, and the people who carry such memories will need assurance.

The first New Horizons program in 1991 was a band, but the intent was to also start other kinds of New Horizons programs. New Horizons orchestras started a few years later. The concept and philosophy of New Horizons Music can be applied to many other types of music making and music classes.

What sets the UTSA New Horizons Band apart from the rest?

The University of Texas at San Antonio is nestled in the Northwest quadrant of San Antonio, a city that is aptly named "Military City, UTSA." San Antonio is home to five military bases: Joint Base San Antonio, Camp Bullis, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, and Randolph Airforce Base.

School of Music Degree Programs

School of Music Degree Programs

See all the degrees available from the UTSA School of Music

43

Degree and certificate programs

3

Research Centers

$2M

in projects funded through 49 grants

7

Certificate Programs