UMass Boston

This page contains answers to FAQs and useful links for current and prospective students in performing arts.

Music Ensembles

University Chorus MUSIC 101 (No audition required; open to all university students). Contact:  David Giessow, director.

Chamber Singers MUSIC 102 (Audition required). Contact: David Giessow, director.

Jazz Band MUS MUSIC 104.  Open to all students and levels, regardless of major. There are some limitations in terms of ensemble size and instrumentation, but multiple groups are formed. Auditions are required at first and second class meetings. A questionnaire from the director will be sent via WISER once a student register, or contact him ahead of time directly. Contact: Peter Janson, director.

Chamber Orchestra MUSIC 106. Auditions for students registering for credit will take place at the first class meeting. Audition requirements include two contrasting orchestral excerpts for your instrument, and two scales from memory (minimum two octaves). Contact: Sommer Forrester, director.

Tenor/Bass Chorus MUSIC 107. A chorus specially geared to low voices (tenors and basses) exploring compositions from the medieval period through the current day. This course is intended for students with little or no previous musical experience.*

Soprano/Alto Chorus MUSIC 108 -- For singers with voices in higher ranges, this chorus explores compositions from the medieval period through current day and is intended for students with little or no musical experience.*

Don't know if you're a Tenor/Bass or Soprano/Alto before registering? Contact the professor, or download DaTuner Lite to your smartphone through Google Play. Tenor/Bass will have a fundamental speaking pitch near 120Hz (approximately one octave below middle c) and Soprano/Alto Al will be near 220Hz (three semi-tones below middle c). Singing ranges will be measured in the first session. 

Music Collaboratory MUSIC 109. A workshop-format course that provides immersive learning experiences in alternative musical styles to students of diverse backgrounds, especially those eager to explore global and commercial music for the first time.

Applied Music Lessons

To sign up for private, applied music lessons in voice or an instrument (MUS 185), you must first contact the department administrative assistant, Tanya Williams at 617.287.5640 or send an email to her at Performing.Arts@umb.edu. She will help arrange for your individual instructor. You may not register without contacting Ms. Williams. All university students are eligible for MUS 185. For a list of applied music instructors go here. For repertory lists (levels), go here.

Theatre Productions

Auditions for shows are held at the beginning of each semester and are open to all UMass Boston students. See Announcements for upcoming dates and audition information, or contact Theatre Faculty.

Production Practica in stage management, costume design, scenic design, lighting design, and technical design are open to all UMass Boston students for each show. Contact Theatre Faculty for more information.

Degree and Course Requirements

Dance (minor)

Music (BA, minor)

Theatre Arts (BA, minor)

Academic Links

WISER

Academic Calendar

University Advising Center

University Registrar

PA Dept. Music Theory Tutor:  John Nilsson (email: John.Nilsson001@umb.edu)

Tutoring in Critical Reading, Writing and Study Strategies (Academic Support Services)

Information
Schedule an appointment for help

Student Services/Events on Campus

Ross Center for Disability Services

Public Safety

Writing Proficiency Examination

Healey Library

Course Reserves (Electronic and Print Reserves)
Theatre Arts Resources, Databases, References
Music Resources, Databases, References, Streaming Music, Scores
Petrucci Music Library (IMSLP): Downloadable, public domain scores

Boston Public Library. 

Note: Students may obtain a Library Consortium sticker at the Healey library circulation desk (2nd floor, catwalk level) that allows full use of many Boston area libraries. E-cards for Boston Public Library may be obtained instantly online.

BPL Music Electronic Resources
BPL Theatre, Dance and Film Electronic Resources