School of Music & Dance

Hello, aspiring artists, passionate performers, and culture enthusiasts across Oregon! Tucked away on the beautiful campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene lies a vibrant hub of creativity and academic excellence: the School of Music & Dance. Housed primarily within the distinguished MarAbel B. Frohnmayer Music Building, this institution is a cornerstone of arts education in our state, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to pursue their passions in music and dance.

For generations, the University of Oregon has been a beacon of learning, and its School of Music & Dance stands as a testament to its commitment to the performing arts. This is where future musicians, dancers, educators, and scholars hone their craft, guided by a faculty of esteemed professionals. Whether your dream is to perform on a grand stage, compose groundbreaking new works, teach the next generation of artists, or delve into the rich history and theory of music and dance, the UO SOMD provides a comprehensive and supportive environment to achieve those aspirations.

This article aims to give you a detailed look into what makes the University of Oregon School of Music & Dance a premier destination for arts education in Oregon. We'll explore its impressive facilities, the breadth of its academic and performance programs, and the vibrant community that thrives within its halls. For local families and prospective students, understanding the depth and quality of this institution is key to recognizing its profound impact on our state's cultural landscape.

The University of Oregon School of Music & Dance is prominently located on the University of Oregon's main campus in Eugene, Oregon. Its primary address is the MarAbel B. Frohnmayer Music Building, 1225 E 18th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.

This location within the larger university campus offers numerous benefits for students and visitors alike. Eugene, known as "TrackTown USA" and for its commitment to sustainability, is a dynamic city in the Willamette Valley. The UO campus itself is easily navigable, and the Frohnmayer Music Building is a recognizable landmark for those familiar with the university. Its central position on campus means it's well-integrated with other university resources, including libraries, dining facilities, and student services. For those traveling by car, there are various parking options available on or near campus, though it's advisable to check university parking regulations. Eugene also has a robust public transportation system (Lane Transit District - LTD), making it accessible via bus routes for students and visitors from across the city and surrounding areas. For those coming from further afield in Oregon, Eugene is well-connected by highways, including I-5, ensuring a relatively straightforward journey. The accessibility of the School of Music & Dance within this vibrant university setting enhances its appeal as a comprehensive and convenient hub for arts education.

The University of Oregon School of Music & Dance offers a comprehensive array of academic programs, performance opportunities, and community engagement initiatives for students and the public.

• Undergraduate Degrees: The school provides various Bachelor's degrees, including Bachelor of Music (BM) with concentrations in areas like Performance (vocal, instrumental, conducting, jazz studies), Composition, Music Education, and Music Technology. They also offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance. The Dance BFA program is notably unique, giving equal weight to European and African Diaspora forms.
• Graduate Degrees: For advanced studies, the SOMD offers Master of Music (MM), Master of Arts (MA), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees across various music disciplines, as well as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance.
• Performance Ensembles: Students have extensive opportunities to perform in over 40 diverse ensembles, including orchestral, choral, jazz, wind, percussion, chamber, and world music groups. There are also numerous student-run ensembles and opportunities to create original performance groups.
• Private Studio Instruction: A core component of the conservatory-style education, students receive one-on-one weekly lessons with full-time faculty, ensuring personalized instruction and skill development. The school boasts one of the highest faculty-to-student ratios on the UO campus (7:1 or 12:1, depending on the source).
• Dance Technique Classes: The Dance program offers a wide range of technique classes including modern, ballet, jazz, and hip hop, along with specialized courses in dance wellness, composition, production, and pedagogy.
• Music Education Programs: Strong programs in music education prepare students for careers in teaching, with a reported 100% placement rate for Music Education majors.
• Guest Artist Programs: The school regularly hosts visiting artists, masterclasses, and residencies with world-renowned musicians and dancers, offering students invaluable exposure and learning experiences.
• Concerts and Performances: The UO SOMD hosts over 300 student and faculty performances annually in its various venues, including the acoustically acclaimed Beall Concert Hall and the Dougherty Dance Theatre. Many of these are open to the public.
• Community Programs: The Community Music Institute offers enrichment activities for community members of all ages, demonstrating a commitment to broader arts engagement. The Grammy-winning Oregon Bach Festival is also housed within the SOMD.
• Recording Studios and Practice Rooms: Students have access to state-of-the-art recording studios and numerous private practice rooms, providing exceptional resources for learning and creative work.

The University of Oregon School of Music & Dance stands out as a leading institution in the performing arts due to several remarkable features and highlights.

• World-Class Facilities: The primary hub, the MarAbel B. Frohnmayer Music Building, is a state-of-the-art facility featuring the acoustically renowned Beall Concert Hall, Dougherty Dance Theatre (with sprung floors for safety), and numerous private practice rooms and cutting-edge recording studios. These facilities provide an unparalleled environment for learning, rehearsal, and performance.
• Conservatory-Style Education within a Research University: A unique strength of the UO SOMD is its ability to offer an intensive, studio-based, one-on-one education typical of a conservatory, while simultaneously providing students with the vast academic resources and breadth of a large research institution. This balanced approach allows for both deep artistic specialization and broad intellectual development.
• Exceptional Faculty-to-Student Ratio: The school boasts one of the highest faculty-to-student ratios on the UO campus (reported as high as 7:1), ensuring personalized attention and direct mentorship from full-time faculty members who are accomplished performers, scholars, and educators.
• Abundant Performance Opportunities: With over 300 student performances and 40+ ensembles annually, students have countless chances to perform, collaborate, and gain practical experience on stage. This constant stream of performance helps students refine their craft and build confidence.
• Unique Dance BFA Program: The Dance program is particularly highlighted for its BFA curriculum, which offers a distinctive balance, giving "equal weight to European and African Diaspora forms." This comprehensive approach to dance education is rare and highly progressive.
• Focus on Student Wellness: The SOMD is dedicated to increasing proficiency and preventing injury by providing access to somatic training, health-related information, and medical support. This includes resources for acupuncture, Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, chiropractic care, Feldenkrais Method, massage therapy, meditation, Tai Chi, and Yoga.
• Strong Career Preparation: Degrees from the SOMD are designed to be foundational for various professional pursuits, teaching students leadership, teamwork, planning, and communication skills, making them well-rounded cultural influencers and entrepreneurs. Music Education majors, for instance, boast a 100% placement rate.
• Vibrant Arts Community: Beyond the curriculum, students can join numerous UO Dance and Music Clubs, academic residential communities like the Performing Artists Collective, and engage with a rich regional arts scene in Eugene, including local theaters, ballets, and music venues.

For more information about the University of Oregon School of Music & Dance, its programs, or upcoming performances, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: MarAbel B. Frohnmayer Music Building, 1225 E 18th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403, USA

Phone: (541) 346-3761

For residents across Oregon, and especially for those in Eugene and its surrounding communities, the University of Oregon School of Music & Dance stands out as an immensely suitable and invaluable institution. Its comprehensive offerings and deep commitment to artistic and academic excellence make it a true asset to our state's cultural and educational landscape.

Firstly, for any young Oregonian passionate about music or dance, the UO SOMD offers **world-class training right here at home**. The opportunity to pursue a conservatory-style education with intensive one-on-one instruction from highly accomplished faculty, all within the rich academic environment of a major research university, is a unique and compelling draw. This means students can achieve their highest artistic potential without having to leave our beautiful state, benefiting from the lower in-state tuition rates and the comfort of being close to family and local support networks. The fact that the Dance BFA program is recognized for its unique embrace of both European and African Diaspora forms showcases a forward-thinking and inclusive approach that resonates with Oregon's progressive values.

Secondly, the **abundance of performance opportunities** directly benefits the local community. With over 300 concerts and performances annually, many of which are open to the public, the School of Music & Dance serves as a vibrant cultural beacon for Eugene. Locals have constant access to high-quality musical and dance performances, from student recitals to faculty concerts and innovative "New Moves" productions. This enriches the cultural life of the city and provides affordable, accessible entertainment and artistic inspiration for everyone, from seasoned arts patrons to families looking for enriching experiences.

Furthermore, the school's **focus on student wellness** through somatic training, health resources, and injury prevention is particularly relevant in a health-conscious state like Oregon. This commitment ensures that students are not only pushed to excel artistically but are also supported in maintaining their physical and mental health, fostering a sustainable and holistic approach to their demanding artistic careers.

Finally, for aspiring educators, the **100% placement rate for Music Education majors** is a powerful testament to the program's effectiveness and its direct contribution to the quality of arts education within Oregon's K-12 school system. The students trained here become the teachers who inspire the next generation of artists across our state.

In conclusion, the University of Oregon School of Music & Dance is an indispensable resource for Oregonians. It cultivates exceptional talent, enriches our cultural landscape with myriad performances, prioritizes student well-being, and directly contributes to the educational vibrancy of our local communities. For anyone in Oregon considering a path in music or dance, or simply seeking to engage with high-quality artistic endeavors, the UO SOMD stands as a beacon of excellence and opportunity.

School of Music & Dance

MarAbel B. Frohnmayer Music Building, 1225 E 18th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403, USA