A longtime dean at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Dr. Timothy V. Blair holds a master’s degree in music (MM) from the New England Conservatory and a doctor of musical arts (DMA) from the Catholic University of America. A prominent figure in the field of music education, Dr. Timothy Vance Blair is a longtime member and accreditation visitor for the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

1. National Association
of Schools of Music
MSMA Project
TIMOTHY V. BLAIR

2. Introduction
A longtime dean at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Dr. Timothy
V. Blair holds a master’s degree in music (MM) from the New England
Conservatory and a doctor of musical arts (DMA) from the Catholic
University of America. A prominent figure in the field of music
education, Dr. Timothy Vance Blair is a longtime member and
accreditation visitor for the National Association of Schools of Music
(NASM).
For nearly 100 years, NASM has stood as the premier music
accreditation and standards organization in the United States. With a
membership of more than 650 degree-granting institutions, NASM is
responsible for establishing music degree requirements, accrediting
higher music education programs, and generally supporting music
instruction. Additionally, NASM serves as a liaison between the music
education field in the US and other organizations.

3. National Association of
Schools of Music
Among its initiatives over the years, NASM played a leading role in a
transatlantic project that improved communication between music
institutions in the United States and Europe. From 2001 to 2004, NASM
and European Association of Conservatoires (AEC) collaborated on the
Music Study, Mobility and Accountability (MSMA) Project to increase
international cooperation concerning music education curriculums and
related issues.
Supported by both the European Commission and the US Department
of Education, the MSMA Project developed cooperative strategies
through case studies, research papers, and proposals. Topics covered
include quality assurance and methods of evaluation.