The School of Music and Dance has one of the highest faculty to student ratios and on the UO campus which allows for a studio-based education and one-on-one weekly lessons with full-time faculty. We provide a conservatory-style education, augmented by the resources of a large research institution.
Community
We strive to create a welcoming, creative environment where students feel safe to take chances and experiment. We want to constantly improve and are open to constructive feedback from our students. To this end, we maintain a Student Advisory Board to the Dean staffed by current students who act as advocates. We have also created the SOMD Committee for Equity and Inclusion as a way for faculty, staff, and students to advocate for their communities and hold the administration accountable.
At SOMD, we pride ourselves on balancing musical and dance theory education with practical performance experience. Our faculty are well-connected and attract world-class artists and lecturers who supplement classroom curricula and share their talents and experience with our students.
We encourage our students to create their own performance opportunities by forming bands and chamber groups within their cohorts. We also offer a variety of performance opportunities through large and small performance ensembles.
SOMD Facilities
SOMD has state-of-the-art recording studios, as well as numerous private practice rooms, while our performing spaces are unrivaled for the acoustics and performer comfort and safety. From the world-renowned sound balance in Beall Hall to the state-of-the-art sprung floors in all our dance studios, the SOMD provides students with incomparable support for their artistic pursuits.
Regional Arts
Health and Wellness
The UO School of Music and Dance is dedicated to increasing proficiency and preventing injury in student musicians and dancers by providing access to somatic training, health-related information, and medical support. Wellness and prevention support options include:
Campus Resources
Need a little help navigating the UO? Campus resources provide one-stop help with: