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AREAS OF STUDY

We are a fully-accredited, comprehensive school of music that allows students to pursue innovative and rigorous programs across performance, scholarship and pedagogy.

In each of our areas of study, students work closely with accomplished faculty as they prepare for careers as performers, scholars, composers, educators and beyond. Our unique blend of undergraduate and graduate programs allows students to acquire rigorous professional training within an intellectually engaging community that values all aspects of musical study, from creation and performance to analysis and reception. Please explore our areas of study below and find the musical future that is right for you!

Areas of Study:

Jazz Studies

Our jazz studies program focuses on both historical and contemporary improvisation. Jazz studies students work with some of the region’s leading practitioners and have frequent opportunities to learn from a host of visiting artists.

Piano

Talented pianists from across the world are drawn to UMD to study with our piano faculty. The piano division is a highly competitive and selective program offering degrees in solo and collaborative piano.

Strings

Our string program includes some of the nation’s leading soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral performers who are dedicated to providing the highest level of instruction in violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. The program includes dedicated full-time faculty as well as guest instructors from the National Symphony Orchestra.

Voice & Opera

Singers from around the world come to the University of Maryland to study with our faculty, many of whom have performed leading roles with some of the world's major opera companies and symphony orchestras. Our voice and opera programs provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for careers as professional performers, educators, arts management specialists and much more.

Winds & Percussion

Encompassing woodwinds, brass and percussion, our faculty include some of the nation’s leading soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral performers. All of our faculty are dedicated to providing the highest level of instruction to their students in a way that is tailored to meet their needs and aspirations.

Conducting

With an exceptional placement rate into professional, military and educational positions, our conducting program provides graduate students with multiple opportunities for first-hand experience leading large ensembles. Our location in the greater Washington-Baltimore area provides considerable opportunities to lead amateur, professional and church ensembles. With generous podium time, our conducting students receive professional level training to prepare them for careers in conducting.

Music Education

We prepare the next generation of exemplary musician-educators for long and successful careers in music. With a 100 percent placement rate, our music education alumni are highly sought after throughout the state of Maryland and beyond.

Music Theory & Composition

With equal emphasis on research, pedagogy and creativity, our music theory and composition faculty educate the next generation of scholars, teachers and composers. Students work closely with faculty and visiting guest artists to hone their skills.

Musicology & Ethnomusicology

Our musicology and ethnomusicology division comprises two distinct but closely integrated programs, both leading to the M.A. or Ph.D. Our students reap the benefits of working with faculty in both areas and from coursework and performance in ensembles that allow them to explore music globally and across time. As part of a major research university, our students also have access to a wide range of library materials and affiliate scholars.