Studios and Performance Areas of Study
The School of Music offers students opportunities to study with talented artist-faculty across our many areas of study.
Brass
Brass majors at UNO are taught by a faculty of dedicated teachers and performers, and our students are provided with a wide array of performance opportunities. The programs of study for brass majors are designed to develop versatile performers in a variety of idioms including solo and chamber literature, orchestra, and jazz improvisation. Learn more and to view audition requirements.
Keyboard
UNO's Keyboard Program is a very visible and active area within the School of Music. Our Keyboard Studies program is directed by Dr. Kristín Jónína Taylor, a Steinway artist, who is well known for both her piano performance career, and many years of fine teaching. The Keyboard Area provides opportunities for students to develop their solo and ensemble skills in a wide variety of performance venues, both on campus and in the community. Learn more and to view audition requirements.
Percussion
The percussion program at UNO covers a wide range of percussion applications. The core of the program focuses on Western classical percussion techniques (snare, timpani, mallets, multiple percussion). However, there are ample opportunities to explore other percussion applications such as world drumming, drum set, electronic percussion, orchestral techniques, and marching percussion. Learn more and to view audition requirements.
Strings
The cornerstone of UNO’s String Program is studio instruction. Emphasis is placed on technique; the development of musicality; exposure to standard solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire; and learning how to play with efficiency and ease. The string faculty have a wide array of national and international teaching and performing experience. Learn more and to view audition requirements.
Voice
The School of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s offers a substantial voice program with a wide range of experiences for voice majors. Students have the opportunity to participate in specialized workshops, masterclasses by renowned guest artists, and international/national conferences, competitions, and tours. Students perform in a variety of ensembles including the University Chorus, Concert Choir, Opera, and chamber groups. Students are frequently selected as soloists to perform with the UNO large and small ensembles. Learn more and to view audition requirements.
Woodwinds
Woodwind majors at UNO are taught by a faculty of dedicated teachers and performers, and our students are provided with a wide array of performance opportunities. The programs of study for woodwind majors are designed to develop skilled performers who are familiar with the standard solo, ensemble, and orchestral literature for their instruments. Learn more and to view audition requirements.
Jazz
Award-winning ensembles in the Jazz Area continue to receive acclaim for their outstanding musical performances from internationally recognized jazz artists, clinicians, and adjudicators. Students can take classes in Jazz Piano, Improvisation, and Jazz Pedagogy in addition to private lessons and weekly masterclasses. Learn more and to view admission requirements.
Popular Music Instruments
Explore pathways to professional and financial success through Music Industry, an interdisciplinary degree that blends music, business, and music technology. Students develop creative and practical skills while preparing for careers in performance, production, entrepreneurship, and the broader music workforce. Opportunities include participation in Commercial Music Ensembles and applied study aligned with contemporary music practices.
Because the Music Industry track includes applied private lessons, students are asked to schedule a brief entrance interview with faculty. This meeting is not a traditional audition, but a conversation designed to introduce the curriculum and help place students in the best applied studio based on their background and goals. All instruments and voice are welcome, including popular and technology-based instruments such as rock/pop instruments, turntables, and laptop.
To schedule an entrance interview, please contact Dr. Tomm Roland at troland@unomaha.edu or Dr. Zack Bresler at zbresler@unomaha.edu.
Music Technology
The Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Technology (BAM-MT) is a four-year degree program focusing on the technical, theoretical, and creative skills required to pursue professional careers in the growing field of music technology. Students enroll in traditional music studies, including music theory, aural skills, keyboard studies, and ensemble performance, and innovative technology courses in audio recording, sound reinforcement, analog and digital synthesis, and performance with interactive electronics.
The program combines the rigorous training of a traditional university music program, a practical hands-on approach through real-life opportunities, and a curriculum that combines platform-independent core competencies with emerging technologies and aesthetics.