The teaching of Music at the Philippine Women's University System began in 1925, a few years, six years
to be exact, after the founding of the University. In 1938, the Department of Music was organized and
operated until the outbreak of World War II. From 1943-1944, the Philippine Conservatory of Music
which was founded by the late Dean Felicing Tirona existed as an affiliate school of PWU. Enrollment was
open to both men and women.
In 1947, the School of Music and Fine Arts was opened with a Voice Clinic the only service of its kind
in the country. Since then, it has achieved distinction both here and abroad. Its graduates have become
artists, performers and educators.
The School of Music, through its faculty, students and alumni, is committed to bring the blessings of
music to the community and the world. It instills in the minds of its students the belief that music in all
its styles and manifestations - needs to be shared and preserved. Through the many professional global exchanges
and performances, the College hopes to bring to the attention of the world the truly Filipino musical
expressions while intently claiming the Philippines' rightful place in the "symphony of nations".
The college has not only awakened cultural interest and musical consciousness within the university,
but has undertaken activities which have attracted considerable attention in the community and the
artistic world. It has pioneered in sponsoring premiere performances of several noteworthy first productions
such as - "The Story of Man", "Ballets in a Nutshell", Menotti's "The Medium",
"The Telephone", and "Amahl and the Night Visitors", Britten's "Let's Make An Opera",
and "Arena Divertissements".
The Bayanihan Dance Troupe, an offshoot of the School of Music and Fine Arts, won international fame for its
successful performance at the Brussels exposition in Belgium in 1958. In view of its success, the Bayanihan
Philippine Dance Company was awarded the Presidential Merit Award in Malacanang in the same year. Since its
Brussels triumph, the Bayanihan has won numerous laurels and continues to win them even today for the
Philippines in many parts of the world.