The Department of Music is a primary resource for those who seek a comprehensive music education and for those who wish to enrich their lives through involvement with music. The mission of the department is to give students the highest quality musical instruction, preparing them to be teachers, creators, performers, and appreciators of music. Music students and faculty play a leading role in offering cultural and artistic enrichment to the campus, community, and Upper Midwest through outreach and scholarly/creative activities. The department is committed to assisting students achieve demanding standards of performance and scholarship in both classroom and artistic endeavors, and to helping them make ethical and gratifying choices to shape their citizenship within the musical community.

The department offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and provides students the highest level of instruction in classes, applied studio lessons, and ensembles, as well as exceptional advisement. In addition, the department enjoys the benefit of a brilliant new performance venue, Weber Music Hall, designed
by international architect Cesar Pelli. Weber Music Hall opened in October 2002 with remarkable reviews from artists and audiences. Music majors at UMD are eligible to compete for numerous scholarship awards, and graduate students consistently receive tuition fellowship support.