Music faculty members serve as mentors for public school teachers, as clinicians throughout the region, and as private teachers for community members. The Department actively supports community efforts, such as the Suzuki String Program, the Missoula Community Concert Band, Missoula Children's Theater, and the Missoula Symphony and Chorale. The music building is an excellent facility of high quality design and construction. Recent renovation projects have further adapted and improved the building's function. However, space needs are growing with the student population.
Serious deficiencies exist in the areas of storage, practice rooms, classrooms and faculty studios.
Large ensemble rehearsal space is crowded. A need exists for major expansion and renovation. Recent additions to the Instructional Media and Mansfield Library holdings have improved the library situation. Future funding is a concern, and, at present, the reduction of or elimination of important periodicals and limited access to instructional media holdings are major issues. Current funding levels limit library staffing, resulting in shortened operational hours, thus hampering both undergraduate and graduate research opportunities.