Austin Texas Musicians and St. Edward’s University Announce New Education Partnership to Support Professional Musicians
Austin, TX — March 16, 2026 — The Austin Texas Musicians™ (ATXM) and St. Edward’s University today announced a 12-month educational partnership designed to support professional musicians through practical, industry-focused programs and creative community-driven activation in Austin.
The collaboration will bring together ATXM’s deep industry expertise and St. Edward’s academic resources to create accessible educational programming for working musicians and the broader creative community.
The partnership will officially launch on March 30, 2026, with the inaugural Master Class in the Maloney Room inside St. Edward’s University’s historic Main Building, a Gothic Revival landmark overlooking South Congress. Framed by arched stained-glass windows and classic campus architecture, the intimate space offers a fitting backdrop for conversations about the future of Austin’s music community.
Advancing Education for Austin’s Music Community and Beyond
The initiative addresses a growing need for practical education that helps musicians build sustainable careers in an evolving industry. Through this partnership, ATXM and St. Edward’s University are creating a hybrid education model designed to support Austin’s working musicians while making key resources available globally online. The program combines online curriculum, in-person master classes, artist mastermind cohorts, and industry networking—blending academic expertise with Austin’s real-world music ecosystem to strengthen the local creative community and expand opportunities for artists and industry professionals.
“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for Austin’s music community,” said Patrick Buchta, Executive Director of the Austin Texas Musicians.
“By working with St. Edward’s University, we’re creating a platform where working musicians can gain practical knowledge—from rights management and revenue streams to marketing and career sustainability—while connecting with the next generation of creatives.”
Activating Campus and Community
The agreement allows ATXM to host its in-person Master Class series at St. Edward’s University while the university sponsors up to four master classes and supports the initiative through campus promotion and a dedicated co-branded educational landing page.
The partnership aligns with St. Edward’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement on South Congress, while also expanding the university’s visibility within Austin’s professional music community.
“We are proud to collaborate with Austin Texas Musicians Fund to bring meaningful educational experiences to both our students and the broader Austin music community,” said Marianne Ward-Peradoza, Provost of St. Edward’s University.
“Austin’s cultural identity is rooted in its music, and this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting that creative economy and creatives.”
A Long-Term Vision for Creative Education
Beyond the initial Master Class series, ATXM and St. Edward’s University plan to develop additional programming, including short-form credential programs, hybrid learning opportunities, and ongoing campus creative activations. These initiatives are intended to create sustainable educational offerings that benefit musicians, students, and the wider Austin arts community.
Both organizations will work together to develop future programming, marketing strategies, and revenue models that expand access to professional music education across the region.
Together, ATXM and St. Edward’s University aim to establish South Congress as a hub for professional creative development, connecting musicians, students, educators, and industry leaders through education, collaboration, and community.
About Austin Texas Musicians (ATXM)
Austin Texas Musicians Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Austin’s music ecosystem through advocacy, education, and economic development. ATXM works to ensure that the musicians and venues that power the Live Music Capital of the World have the resources, opportunities, and policy support they need to thrive. Visit www.austintexasmusicians.org for more information.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private Catholic university in Austin, Texas, known for its commitment to experiential learning, community engagement, and innovation in higher education. Located in the heart of the South Congress cultural district, the university actively collaborates with community partners to create meaningful educational opportunities that connect students with real-world industries and creative sectors. Visit www.stedwards.edu for more information.
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Media Contacts
Mary McKeown-Christie
Chief Marketing Officer
Austin Texas Musicians
Cell: 512-541-6520
Email: marketing@austintexasmusicians.org
Website: www.austintexasmusicians.org
Collin Gillenwater
Director of Partnerships and Professional Studies
St. Edward’s University
Cell: 512-448-8728
Email: collingil@stedwards.edu
Website: www.stedwards.edu
