University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

“A world of sound . . . a community of musicians.”

All candidates for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in music follow a standard core curriculum. Each student may also choose an option in music education or world music/jazz studies.

Students are given a thorough grounding in the performance and historical background of the Western music tradition. Graduates may further their studies or pursue careers in a variety of related fields. The education program develops skillful teachers who are in demand throughout New England. Students are exposed to Western, African American/jazz, and World music—allowing them to bring diverse experiences into the classroom. State-of-the-art facilities and course content in music technology enable students to function at the cutting edge of today’s music scene, from sound recording and manipulation to electronic composition and video scoring. Jazz and world music studios open students to the music and dance of the world’s peoples, including the dynamic traditions of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the African American heritage. At UMass Dartmouth, the global approach to education in a university setting prepares culturally aware graduates for careers in the performing arts and teaching.

Facilities and Equipment

The music facilities of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) include an 800-seat auditorium, an intimate 200-seat recital hall, computer-aided music stations, an electronic clavinova piano lab, two electronic music studios for electronic composition, recording technology and sound production capabilities, Steinway concert grand pianos, traditional and non-Western percussion instruments (Gamelan, steel drums), individual practice rooms, and a campuswide computer network.

Faculty

The performance faculty members are accomplished musicians who perform in recital halls and on concert stages, both internationally and in the United States. The composition and academic faculty members are noted for their publications, academic papers, and creative work—recognized during the past academic year with a Rome Prize in Music and a Fulbright Scholar Award.

Performance Opportunities

Students have opportunities to perform in the following groups: University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Large and Small Jazz Ensembles, Brass Ensemble, West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Laptop Ensemble, Contemporary Jazz and Jazz Vocal Ensembles, Guitar Ensemble, Javanese Gamelan, and Percussion Ensemble. The Department of Music presents a Guest Artist Recital Series, a Faculty Recital Series, and community concerts as well as student ensemble and solo recitals.

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to pursue fieldwork study and research abroad in a culture relevant to their area of concentration. This work may fulfill specific course requirements with prior approval. All study abroad should be planned in consultation with the student’s faculty adviser and the Department of Music Chairperson.

Requirements for Admission

All candidates must pass an entrance audition and take an advisory exam to assess background and determine potential. Candidates are expected to have some facility on their instrument and to have some preparation in fundamental concepts of music theory. All applicants must also follow the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s admissions procedures that are detailed in the University Catalogue.

Application Procedures

Deadline--freshmen and transfers: continuous. Notification date--freshmen and transfers: continuous. Required: high school transcript, college transcript(s) for transfer students, minimum 2.0 high school GPA, audition, SAT or ACT test scores. Recommended: essay, minimum 3.0 high school GPA, 3 letters of recommendation. Auditions held 1 time on campus; videotaped performances are permissible as a substitute for live auditions (non-New England students should contact department for requirements).