Florida State University College of Music

The Florida State University College of Music, established in 1900, is the largest music college in the Southeast and the third largest university-based music program in the United States. Initially starting with a single instructor, the college expanded to six faculty members by 1911, when Ella Scoble Opperman became the director. Under her leadership, the first bachelor of music degree was awarded, and she served as dean until 1944. The college celebrated its centennial in the 2010-2011 academic year with the reopening of the renovated Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. FSU's College of Music has a distinguished history, including pioneering one of the first doctoral degrees in music performance and establishing one of the earliest music therapy programs in 1954. Notable events include the premiere of Carlisle Floyd’s opera "Susannah" in 1955, performances by the FSU Marching Chiefs in the Middle East in 1974, and a visit from Aaron Copland in 1979. Faculty member Ellen Taaffe Zwilich became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Music in 1983. The college offers comprehensive programs for aspiring professional musicians, including performers, composers, scholars, educators, administrators, and therapists. It serves as a cultural hub within the Florida State University community, providing diverse opportunities for personal growth and creative achievement.