Overview

Excellence is the hallmark of the School of Music at the University of Southern Maine in its work with promising musicians. Talented students become skilled professionals under the regular guidance of outstanding faculty scholars, educators, composers, and performers. Opportunities for the study and performance of all types of music abound on campus and amid the vital performing arts scene of Greater Portland. Our graduates teach music at every level, from pre-school to graduate school, and are recognized as accomplished teachers and performers.

Degree Programs
and Areas of Study

The University of Southern Maine, a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, offers the Bachelor of Music degree in performance, the Bachelor of Music degree in music education, and the Bachelor of Arts degree for the study of music in a liberal arts curriculum. Performance majors may elect to pursue a concentration in jazz studies, piano pedagogy, and musical theatre. Education majors my elect a concentration in jazz studies. Students pursuing other majors at USM may apply for a minor in music.

All music majors benefit from a diverse and comprehensive undergraduate curriculum. The music core curriculum includes a series of courses in music history, music theory, ear training, and sight singing. The liberal arts core curriculum exposes students to a variety of fields of study throughout the university. Private instruction is provided on all orchestral and band instruments, voice, piano, organ, guitar, jazz, and composition. Students participate in ensembles of every type and size, including major ensembles, such as chorale, orchestra, and band, more specialized groups, such as chamber singers, wind ensemble, and jazz band, and small ensembles, such as string quartets, vocal chamber ensembles, and combos. Additional areas of study relevant to specific degree programs include conducting, music education methods, music literature and pedagogy of the major instrument, composition, and improvisation, to name but a few. Areas of study in music.

About the USM School of Music

The USM School of Music has a full-time faculty of 15 and a part-time faculty of 36, who together with a staff of 7 and one faculty emeritus serve a student population of more than 200 music majors and music minors. Music classes are kept small to guarantee individual attention. Prospective students must apply to the University and schedule an audition with the School of Music. Auditions take place throughout the year. Most students audition in January or February for admittance the following fall semester. Music talent scholarships and academic scholarships are available.

The USM School of Music also administers the USM Youth Ensembles, to give talented young musicians through high school the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about music literature, and to develop their skills through ensemble performance experience. Click here for more information.

USM School of Music Staff
Scott Harris - Director
Christenia Alden-Kinne - Administrative Assistant (School of Music, Music Recruitment)
Binney Brackett - Administrative Assistant (Youth Ensembles, Music Development, Bookkeeping)
Eileen Oberholtzer - Secretary
Emmanuelle Chaulet - Arts Events Director/Concert Manager
Mary Snell - Arts Promotions Director
Margaret Wilkis - Coordinator of Music Development
Lori Arsenault - School of Music Webmaster

Meet the Music Staff

University of Southern Maine
School of Music
37 College Ave
Gorham, Maine 04038

Phone (207) 780-5265
music@usm.maine.edu