School of the Arts

Imagine. Create. Inspire.

The School of the Arts offers 15 bachelor's and graduate degrees through three academic programs and presents inspiring, thought-provoking, world-class visual and performing arts events year-round.

Foundation for artistic disciplines

The School’s degree programs in visual arts, music, theatre and dance prepare students to contribute as artists, educators and scholars.

Series | Festivals | Camps | Events

Signature events invite world-class performers, instruct exceptional students and are fun for all to listen.

Reno Jazz Festival The Reno Jazz Festival hosts jazz students, instructors, performers and fans to play, listen and learn at a three-day festival each spring.
Reno Jazz Festival
Three men play guitar, bass and drums inside a rehearsal room
Performing Arts Series The School of the Arts hosts the signature Performing Arts Series each season with an incredible lineup of guest artists from all over the world.
Performing Arts Series
Two women play a violin and a cello on stage during a performance
Lake Tahoe Music Camp Lake Tahoe Music Camp offers concert bands, jazz bands, chamber ensembles, music classes and its own private beach on Lake Tahoe for middle and high school students.
Lake Tahoe Music Camp
Young students playing percussion instruments outside

News about the visual and performing arts

Get the latest news about School of the Arts events, highlights and opportunities.

While we are incredibly disappointed that this year’s festival will not take place, we are appreciative of the community’s support in helping us continue the Festival in 2021.”

58th annual Reno Jazz Festival canceled for 2020

In the wake of coronavirus and the size and scope of the Festival, organizers made the decision to cancel the Festival

Three members of the Steel Betty blue grass group stand in front of an outdoor concrete wall with guitars propped up on the wall between each of them.

Bluegrass band Steel Betty’s performance to conclude 2019-20 Performing Arts Series season

The Austin, Texas-based band will perform March 12 and facilitate a songwriting workshop during visit

Monica Maccaux holding two design awards at the German Design Awards 2020 event

Graphic designer presented with two international design awards

Graphic Design Program Director and Assistant Professor, Monica Maccaux, earns two German Design Awards.

Read more in the School of the Arts archives

Scheduled events for School of the Arts

Mar 29
All Day Arts Closed - Shane Pickett: Djinong Djina Boodja | Look at the Land I have Travelled at University Arts Building
Mar 29
All Day Arts Closed - To Have and To Hold: Nevada's Art Collection at University Arts Building
Mar 30
12:00 PM Arts Canceled - Teal Francis MFA Thesis Exhibition: Yellow Spotted Tail at Jot Travis Building
Apr 02
01:00 PM Arts Canceled - Stories about Computers at Sheppard Contemporary
More School of the Arts events