UT Tyler Music Professor Recognized as Accomplished Composer

Kyle Gullings awarded Finalist Honorable Mention for 2025 American Prize in Composition

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Dr. Kyle Gullings, a professor of music at The University of Texas at Tyler, was awarded Finalist Honorable Mention for the 2025 American Prize in Composition – Orchestra, Professional Division. The award recognizes the recording of the March 2024 premiere performance of Gridiron Symphony by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, composed by Gullings.

Why it matters

The American Prize is a prestigious national competition that evaluates top performers, ensembles, composers, and conductors across the U.S. Gullings' recognition as a Finalist Honorable Mention highlights the excellence of the music program at UT Tyler and the School of Performing Arts.

The details

In addition to the American Prize, Gullings also received his first American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Plus award in Concert Music in 2025, which recognizes his original compositions. Gullings has almost 20 years of experience as a music theory and composition instructor and has enjoyed nearly 60 performances of his works throughout the country.

  • Gullings' Gridiron Symphony premiered in March 2024.
  • Gullings was awarded Finalist Honorable Mention for the 2025 American Prize in Composition.
  • Gullings received his first ASCAP Plus award in Concert Music in 2025.

The players

Dr. Kyle Gullings

A professor of music at The University of Texas at Tyler who was recognized as a Finalist Honorable Mention for the 2025 American Prize in Composition – Orchestra, Professional Division.

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra that performed the premiere of Gullings' Gridiron Symphony in March 2024.

Dr. Neil Gray

The dean of the UT Tyler College of Arts and Sciences, who praised Gullings' outstanding achievements.

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What they’re saying

“It is a rare treat to be recognized in a national-level competition like this. I am so grateful to the ETSO and the area high schools that made the premiere possible.”

— Dr. Kyle Gullings, Professor of Music (tylerpaper.com)

“We are so proud of Dr. Gullings and congratulate him on his outstanding achievements. He epitomizes the excellence of faculty we have here within the college and the School of Performing Arts.”

— Dr. Neil Gray, Dean, UT Tyler College of Arts and Sciences (tylerpaper.com)

The takeaway

Gullings' recognition as a Finalist Honorable Mention for the prestigious American Prize in Composition highlights the strength of the music program at UT Tyler and the School of Performing Arts, demonstrating the university's commitment to fostering excellence in the arts.