The University of Maryland School of Music is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. It—along with the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies and the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library—is housed within the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the College Park campus of the University of Maryland.

The faculty of the School of Music is a community of artists, scholars, and teachers who are dedicated to music in all of its global variety, and who have committed their individual and combined expertise to the guidance of their students. Through coursework, rehearsals, performances, and special events, the School of Music seeks to transform creative and curious students into artists, scholars, composers, and teachers equipped with the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.

Please examine this handbook carefully as it is your roadmap to success as a student. Our faculty and staff are here to help and support you, but it is your responsibility to meet all requirements and conform to all policies and deadlines related to your degree program. 

This handbook was revised in August of 2026. Further revisions will be made as necessary, and the latest version can be found online. We encourage you to retain the version posted at the start of your matriculation, as it will serve as your contract with the University. If revisions are made to your degree program during your time here, you may opt for the new policies, or you may continue to follow the ones in place when you began your program. 

When you have a question about academic policy, you may wish to start with Josh Thompson, Manager of Enrollment Services; or your program advisor or division coordinator. Any one of them may refer you to Dr. Eric Kutz, Director for Undergraduate Studies or to Dr. Ken Elpus, Director for Graduate Studies. 

We wish you a happy, productive, and successful experience as a student at the University of Maryland!