University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in American Contemporary Music
for International Students

• TOEFL score under 500 accepted
• Graduate level credits in Music
• English language instruction offered at ELC
• Credits transferable to Master's program at Towson University

Designed for students seeking an additional year to prepare for graduate studies or for study experience in the U.S. in the following areas of emphasis:

Performance
Composition
Music technology

Accepting Applications for 2008-2009

Application Deadline:
April 16, 2008

This unique program is open to both American and international students. Non-native speakers of English may elect to participate in an intensive English language program in the UMBC English Language Center, which can assist students whose goal is to attend graduate school in the U.S. Students also study with UMBC faculty members who are all recognized experts in the creation and performance of classical repertoire of all periods.

TOEFL

International Students can enter with a TOEFL score under 500, study English at the English Language Center (ELC) and earn graduate level credits in the Music Department.

Alumni

They have been accepted at American graduate programs including:
California Institute of the Arts
Peabody Conservatory of Music
Shenandoah Music Conservatory
University of Oregon
Students have been accepted in professional regional orchestras.

Graduate & Transfer Credit

Students have been able to transfer some of their UMBC credits to their graduate programs.

Location

UMBC is located 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore where the Peabody Conservatory of Music is located, 45 minutes from Washington D.C. (by car), and 3 hours from New York City by train. The campus itself is in a lovely suburban area near the Patapsco State Park.

Program Opportunities

Performance

• Solo performances – full or half recital as well as participation in student concert series
  
• Ensemble participation and performances including jazz, vocal, world music, contemporary, classical chamber and orchestral music
  
• Seminar in American music history
  
• Professional recordings of student performances (additional fee)
  
• Use of Steinway concert grand and practice rooms (no extra fee)
  
• Apprenticeship with RUCKUS, resident faculty ensemble, for qualified students
  

Composition

• Private lessons
  
• Performance of student compositions by faculty and advanced student ensembles
  
• Professional recordings of student performances (additional fee)

Music Technology

• Studios equipped with ProTools HD2-accel systems, Waves Diamond plugs, 5.1 surround Genelec and Event stereo monitoring.
  
• Access to advanced course work in DVD audio and video production.
  
• Opportunity to explore advanced individual projects with technology such as MaxMSP/Jitter and Final Cut Pro.

Length of Program

1 year (fourth week of August - end of May) Selected students may elect to continue for an additional year.

Ensembles

Orchestra, Jazz, Vocal, Percussion and various chamber groupings

TOEFL Preparation

Intensive weekday classes at the English Language Center (ELC) (Non-credit). The TOEFL exam is required for entrance to American graduate schools.

Tuition and Fees

2007 Academic year is $7772 U.S. dollars per semester.

Fees cover the use of grand piano, practice rooms, internet account, athletic facilities, pool, and health insurance but do not include piano accompanist fee, room and board.

Tuition and Fees may be subject to a small increase every academic year.

Residence Halls & Apartments

On-campus student apartments are available at Walker Avenue Apartments (www.walkeravenueapts.com)

Off-campus apartments serviced by UMBC shuttles are also available.

Faculty

The UMBC Music faculty are all recognized experts in the creation and performance of music from the 17th to the 21st centuries. Their qualifications and accomplishments include:

• Doctorates from Eastman, Princeton and Juilliard Music Schools
  
• Publications on the world’s most advanced clarinet technique and innovative computer music applications
  
• Award-winning compositions and performances
  
• Prestigious fellowships.

Piano, & Director Kazuko Tanosaki (DMA Eastman School of Music)

Violin Airi Yoshioka (DMA Juilliard School of Music)

Clarinet E. Michael Richards (Ph.D. University of California, San Diego)

Percussion Tom Goldstein (MM Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music)

Composition Linda Dusman (DMA University of Maryland, College Park)

Composition Stuart Saunders Smith (PhD, University of Illinois)

Composition Anna Rubin (PhD, Princeton University)

Music Technology David Kim-Boyle (PhD, SUNY-Buffalo)

Voice David Smith (Doctoral candidate, University of Maryland, College Park)

Application Materials

1) UMBC Graduate Certificate Program application. (Please ignore all requests on the upper right corner of page 1. These do not apply to this program.)

2) English Language Center application

3) 250-word essay about your purpose for studying in the Certificate Program. Please include whether your goal is a 1-year study period, or preparation for a Master's program and which specific program you hope to enter.

4) Transcript of Bachelor's degree certifying completion of bachelor's degree and minimum 3.00 GPA

5) $70 non-refundable application fee to UMBC (Bank check or International Postal money order, payable to "UMBC" only. Do not make check out to Music Dept. of UMBC or to Dr. Tanosaki).

6)Bank statement documenting deposits of U.S. dollar $16,000 or more

7) Resume including addresses of 1) student's parents (where documents such as the I-20 will be sent); 2) parent’s work address and telephone number (in case of emergency); 3) student's current address if different from parent.

8) Two reference letters should include: One from student’s instrumental or composition instructor and a second one from student’s most recently attended college/university. Letters should be evaluations of student's strengths and weaknesses. Evaluations must be in a sealed envelope with the teacher’s signature on the seal.

9) Performance/Composition/Technology Portfolio

• PERFORMANCE EMPHASIS
  

  VHS or DVD video of 3 pieces from 3 contrasting eras. If a video camera is not available, then an audio performance may be sent on CD.

• COMPOSITION EMPHASIS
  

  Scores and CD or DVD of 3 works

• MUSIC TECHNOLOGY EMPHASIS
  

  CD or DVD of at least 6 tracks demonstrating your proficiency with various musical styles. If available, you may also submit other examples of your work produced with software such as Max/MSP, Live or Final Cut Pro. Any other pertinent music technology experiences (DVD authoring, sound for video, programming etc.) should be clearly described and included with the portfolio.

  ALL STUDENTS: Enclose a 1-2 page description of the recorded material which should have your name and email, title(s) of piece(s) recorded, and composer(s) and/or performers as well as labeling the chosen format with this information.
  
  

Application Deadline

April 16, 2008
(An extension may be available for the submission of certain materials.)

Send Completed Application to:

Dr. Kazuko Tanosaki
Cerificate Program Director
Dept. of Music, UMBC
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250, U.S.A.

Questions? Contact Dr. Tanosaki by email: tanosaki@umbc.edu or fax: 1-410-455-1181. Kindly include your NAME, University, Year, Instrument, e-mail address, Address, Telephone number, and Fax number (if available).