Auditorium with wooden seats facing a grand piano onstage, chandeliers hanging from a high ceiling and tall windows along the walls.

Performing Arts: Music or Theatre Studies

B.A. Degree with a major in Performing Arts

Create. Perform. Connect.

The UMF Performing Arts B.A. gives you the opportunity to explore your passion for music or theatre while building a personalized course of study that connects the arts with your broader interests.

Through hands-on learning, creative collaboration, and interdisciplinary coursework, you’ll develop skills in performance, communication, critical thinking, and creative expression. Choose a pathway in Music Studies or Theatre Studies, then work with faculty to shape your program around your goals.

Whether you want to perform, create, produce, teach, advocate, or explore the role of the arts in society, UMF’s Performing Arts program gives you the foundation to find your voice and your path.

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Music Studies Pathway

At UMF, the Music focus does not center on large ensembles or private lessons. Instead, it prepares you to connect musical knowledge with another discipline through theme-based study, advanced seminars, applied projects, internships, and/or study away. You’ll build competency in analysis, writing, digital audio, and research—then apply it where music meets technology, culture, policy, business, or the environment. The result is a clear, customizable academic path with practical outputs (portfolios, presentations, and a Symposium/Arts Week capstone).

Theatre Pathway

The UMF Theatre focus gives students hands-on experience in acting, directing, and technical production through real stage performances. Students learn all aspects of theater—creative, technical, and collaborative—preparing them for careers in performance, production, education, and other arts-related fields.

What Makes UMF Special

Vibrant Art Scene

Learning goes beyond the classroom. Students create, perform, research, and curate—turning ideas into real-world projects that build skills, confidence, and professional portfolios before graduation.

Close-Knit Community

Join a supportive community where faculty mentorship, peer collaboration, and engagement with local and global projects create a rich environment for learning and growth.

Affordable Quality

UMF offers one of the most affordable liberal arts educations in the Northeast, giving you a high-quality academic experience without the burden of excessive debt.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Performing Arts?

A Performing Arts degree develops creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills valued in a wide range of careers. Whether your focus is music, theatre, production, or creative leadership, you’ll be prepared to pursue opportunities in the arts and related fields.

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Expand Your Skills with a Minor

A Theatre minor or a Music minor allows students in other degree programs to explore their creative interests while building skills in collaboration, communication, and artistic expression.

Performing Art students can also complement their studies with minor options such as Creative Writing, Film Studies, Psychology or, Business Communications.

Explore Minor Programs

Faculty Who Inspire

UMF faculty bring their expertise in creative disciplines directly into your education. They guide students in developing critical thinking, creativity, and professional readiness.
Questions? Ask a Professor!
Jayne Decker ’81
Jayne Decker ’81

Principal Lecturer of Theater

About Jayne
Melissa Thompson
Melissa Thompson

Assistant Professor of Visual and Performing Arts

About Melissa
Steven Pane
Steven Pane

Professor Music

About Steven

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938
umfadmit@maine.edu
207.778.7050
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