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NEW! The Certificate Program is now accepting PRE-FORMED CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLES.
This unique one-year program, for students and ensembles in performance, composition, music technology, and jazz, is a place to explore creativity and develop a singular musical voice through complete immersion in contemporary music practices in our state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
Whether studying and performing with Internationally acclaimed faculty, interacting with living composers, or working hands on with award-winning music technology professionals, UMBC can tailor fit your course of study with intense musical experiences and the opportunity to delve deeply into a particular area of contemporary music with a focus on music from the Americas.
This upcoming year features a number of contemporary music performance opportunities. UMBC’s annual LIVEWIRE Festival of Contemporary Music will focus on the idea of legacy. Opportunities for this coming year will include working side by side with faculty on the festival while working on repertoire and entrepreneurial skills.
This program is designed for three types of students:
- Students looking to strengthen their skills before applying to graduate music programs.
- Students who wish to focus their music study on contemporary music.
- Ensembles seeking an intense program that not only hones musical skills but focuses on developing a complete entrepreneurial package to prepare for professional life.
UMBC faculty are all recognized experts in the creation and performance of contemporary music. Collectively they have premiered and recorded over a thousand new works in the past 30 years. Students have full access to the Concert Hall, which houses a beautiful 9-foot Steinway, and to the state-of-the-art recording facilities on campus.
Student performers are paired with faculty who are experts in the performance of contemporary music, and develop repertoire through weekly private lessons, informal and formal recitals and ensemble performances. Music technology students work closely with faculty in a variety of recording, video and sound design projects with high-end equipment and software. Student composers collaborate with student and faculty ensembles for readings and performances of their work along with private lessons in composition. Students applying for graduate school are mentored and assisted by faculty. Credits earned at UMBC can transfer to other institutions depending on the institution.
Program Benefits
- Individual attention to all music students
- Academic program tailored to fit each student
- Study with UMBC faculty specialists in the creation and performance of contemporary and classical repertoire
- Obtain assistance in graduate school selection and applications
Length of Program
1 academic year (late August – May) (Students may elect to stay an additional year)
Location
Suburban location of UMBC campus near Baltimore, adjacent to nature preserve, 3 hours from New York City, 45 minutes from Washington D.C., and 20 minutes from the downtown Baltimore
Program Opportunities
Performance
- Solo performances –recitals as well as participation in student concert series at UMBC and region
- Ensembles– classical chamber, orchestral music, jazz, vocal, world music, &
contemporary - Seminars – American music history and chamber music
- 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
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.
Jazz
Please contact Matt Belzer for specific information about this track. belzer@umbc.edu
Transfer Credits
Most institutions including Towson University (MD) and Peabody Conservatory recognize some or all of these credits
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, Juilliard, and University of California – San Diego Music Schools
- Publications on the world’s most advanced clarinet technique and innovative computer music applications
- Award-winning compositions and performances
- Prestigious fellowships