The National Association of Schools of Music was founded in 1924 for the purpose of securing a better understanding among institutions of higher education engaged in work in music; of establishing a more uniform method of granting credit; and of setting minimum standards for the granting of degrees and other credentials. It is incorporated in the State of Ohio as a not-for-profit organization. The work of the Association during its early years was financed largely by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. In November of 1975, representatives of member institutions ratified proposals creating a category of membership for non-degreegranting institutions. The National Association of Schools of Music has been designated by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation throughout the United States of free-standing institutions, and units offering music and music-related programs (both degree- and non-degree-granting), including those offered via distance education. The Association is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors. NASM maintains a formal consultative relationship with the Association Européenne des Conservatoires. NASM is a constituent member of the American Council on Education. In the field of teacher education, the Association cooperates with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The services of the Association are available to all types of degree-granting institutions in higher education and to non-degree-granting institutions offering pre-professional programs or general music training programs. Membership in the Association is on a voluntary basis.

This text is subject to editorial change and/or correction at any time. The date of the first printing of the NASM Handbook 2012-13 appears immediately below along with, if applicable, the date of the latest of any subsequent revisions. Publication Date: January 24, 2013 Added Section Page Guides: May 1, 2013 — Editorial Revisions: August 5, 2013 The information contained in this edition of the NASM Handbook includes revisions approved at the November 2012 Annual Meeting. Readers are encouraged to consult the NASM Web site for the latest information concerning policies, procedures, and proposed and/or approved standards revisions. Institutions undergoing review for accreditation or reaccreditation should refer to the NASM Web site for the most recent guidance and procedures for 1) self-study and 2) preparations for an on-site review. Information and all applicable forms and procedures documents can be found under Procedures for Accreditation Applications within the section of the Web site titled Accreditation Procedures.