UMBC's Music Department provides the one-on-one attention undergraduates need to flourish as young musicians within the resources of a small research university. We provide excellent large ensembles (a symphony orchestra, a wind ensemble, Camerata, The Jubilee Singers, and The Jazz Ensemble) balanced with small classes in music theory, musicianship, music history, music education, and small performing ensembles. One of our newest ensembles, the UMBC Chamber Players, unites musicians from across campus, regardless of major, in performing music from the vast chamber repertoire. And other ensembles, including the new music ensemble, the percussion ensemble, the Vocal Arts Ensemble (opera scenes), and a number of jazz combos, allow students to hone their musical skills in a small group setting. In addition, our music technology emphasis is the only program of its kind among state universities in Maryland.

UMBC music faculty are renowned musicians who also love to teach. We are especially keen to build entrepreneurial skills in our students so that they are prepared to contribute as musicians to societies of the 21st-century as highly-skilled innovators. Examples of this initiative include our Arts in Education course (modeled on the Lincoln Center program in New York), a Careers in Music course, and a number of internships and side-by-side collaborations with our faculty and other professional musicians.

We also value international experiences for our students. The Department has established an exchange program with the Nicolini Conservatorio in Piacenza, Italy (located only 1 hour from Milan!), where students can study for a semester. And a new program in Taiwan is in the planning stages!

So, whatever your musical interest or expertise, please visit us! We look forward to meeting you!!

Yours,
Dr. E. Michael Richards
Associate Professor and Chair,
Department of Music
emrichards@umbc.edu