The UMD Department of Music prides itself in the accomplishment of our majors. Whatever your major or music degree, our department is committed to assisting students achieve demanding standards of performance and scholarship in the classroom, the rehearsal room, and on stage. We encourage our students to make ethical and gratifying choices as citizens within the musical community.
Please familiarize yourself with our Music Faculty & Staff Directory.
Music Program Learning Outcomes
Music Programs Core
- Express musical ideas at the advanced level appropriate to the degree program.
- Apply knowledge of music historical and cultural styles from early practice to the present.
- Critically analyze and evaluate musical patterns, processes and outcomes.
- Appropriately express culturally diverse music in ways representative of local, national, and/or global communities in ensemble settings.
Music BA
- Demonstrate professional skills appropriate to leadership, collaboration, and problem solving.
- Present effective, advanced-level written communication.
Music Education
- Demonstrate ethical behaviors through leadership, collaboration, and problem solving.
- Present effective written communication.
- Present effective verbal and interactive communication of lesson objectives, strategies, and assessment practices in the context of laboratory teaching (practice) lessons.
Music Vocal Performance
- Demonstrate professional skills appropriate to leadership, collaboration, and problem solving.
- Present effective, advanced-level written communication.
Health, Safety, and Injury Prevention
The Department of Music, as required by the National Association of Schools of Music, is obligated to inform students and faculty of health and safety issues, hazards, and procedures inherent in practice, performance, teaching, and listening, both in general and as applicable to their specific specializations. This includes but is not limited to information regarding:
Overview of performance injuries
Musicians can be at risk of performance injuries due to improper playing technique/posture, stress, lack of rest, overuse, and other reasons. Many musicians face performance injuries, but there are ways to prevent them.
How to prevent injuries for instrumentalists
Proper playing technique: Prevention of injuries starts with evaluating your playing technique and poster. Make sure the way you play is best for your body, and avoid using smaller muscle groups when possible.
Warming up and stretching: Stretch and warm-up before every practice session. Some sessions also require stretching during and after playing. Wait to play harder, more technical passages until you are properly warmed up.
Taking breaks: Long practice sessions with no breaks can contribute to the development of injuries. Take a short break at least every 20-30 minutes, and longer breaks the longer you play. Multiple shorter practice sessions during the day/week can be more beneficial for your physical health, overall performance, and success as a musician.
Assessing daily activities: Activities such as typing can be straining for the hands and wrists. Evaluate to ensure all activities in your life are practiced safely.
Monitor your body, seek help immediately: If you feel any unusual pain or discomfort while playing, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Waiting to get help can cause many injuries to worsen, making them much harder to treat.