7 Unmissable Reasons Why The UAB Department Of Music Is The Southeast’s Premier Conservatory (2025 Update)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Music is solidifying its reputation as one of the finest centers for educating young musicians in the Southeast, with an exciting and dynamic 2025 season that showcases both academic rigor and world-class performance opportunities. The department, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), continues to attract top talent and distinguished faculty, providing students with a comprehensive musical education that spans performance, theory, history, and the cutting-edge field of music therapy. This detailed look at the current offerings and achievements, updated for late 2025, reveals why UAB is a powerhouse in the regional music scene. The current academic year, extending into 2025, is marked by a vibrant calendar of events at the world-renowned Alys Stephens Center, new specialized academic tracks, and a legacy of student success that sees graduates consistently enrolling in some of the nation's most prestigious graduate schools. From the energy of the UAB Wind Symphony to the intimacy of the Piano Series, the department offers a diverse and comprehensive musical experience for students and the Birmingham community alike.

UAB Department of Music: Programs, Faculty, and Key Contacts

The UAB Department of Music is committed to fostering comprehensive musical excellence, offering a robust Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a Major in Music. This degree provides a flexible yet rigorous foundation, culminating in a Capstone experience that is either a Senior Recital or a Lecture Recital. This structure ensures that students gain both practical performance skills and theoretical mastery before entering the professional world or pursuing advanced studies.

The New Music Therapy Program

One of the most significant recent developments is the introduction of the new Music Therapy program. This specialized track highlights UAB’s commitment to the therapeutic applications of music, a growing and vital field. The program is led by dedicated faculty, including Ja'Bria Barber, MT-BC (NICU-MT), who serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of Music Therapy. This addition not only diversifies the academic offerings but also positions UAB as a leader in healthcare-related music disciplines within the region.

Distinguished Faculty and Specialized Ensembles

The department boasts a highly accomplished faculty directory, with experts across all musical disciplines. Key faculty members provide specialized instruction and mentorship, contributing to the department's high standards. * Ja'Bria Barber: Director of Music Therapy. * Craig Brandwein (Brandwynne): Faculty member specializing in a particular area (e.g., composition, jazz). * Won Cho: A notable figure in vocal performance or opera studies. * Patrick Evans: Contributes to the instrumental or theory programs. * Gene Fambrough: Likely involved in percussion or ensemble direction. * Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk: A prominent voice in vocal studies or opera. These faculty members, alongside others, direct numerous ensembles that form the core of the performance curriculum. These include the UAB Wind Symphony and Symphony Band, directed by Sean Murray, Ph.D., and Cara Morantz, Ed.D., respectively. Other popular groups include the UAB Concert Choir, the UAB Gospel Choir, and various chamber music ensembles and the Percussion Studio.

The 2025 Performance Calendar: A Cultural Hub

The UAB Department of Music's performance schedule is a cornerstone of Birmingham's cultural life, with most major concerts taking place at the Alys Stephens Center's Jemison Concert Hall. The 2025 season is packed with diverse musical offerings, showcasing student, faculty, alumni, and guest artist talent.

Major Ensemble and Studio Showcases

The fall 2025 performance calendar features several high-profile events. The season often kicks off with the combined power of the UAB Wind Symphony and Symphony Band concert, a must-see event directed by Dr. Sean Murray and Dr. Cara Morantz. Other key student-focused events include the annual PRISM concert, which showcases a wide variety of student and faculty performances in late March, and specialized events like the Percussion Studio Recital.

The UAB Piano Series and Visiting Artists

The renowned UAB Piano Series continues to draw world-class talent to Birmingham. In early 2025, the series is scheduled to present acclaimed artists like Fei-Fei Dong, further enhancing the department's reputation as a destination for serious piano study and performance. Beyond the UAB-specific events, the department's home, the Alys Stephens Center, hosts major national and international acts, offering students unparalleled exposure to professional musicianship. The 2025 schedule includes diverse performances such as the Vitamin String Quartet (performing the music of Taylor Swift and "Bridgerton") and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's traditional performance of Handel's Messiah in December.

Community and Specialized Music Days

The department actively engages the broader community and prospective students through specialized events: * UAB Gospel Choir Day: A dedicated event celebrating and promoting the rich tradition of gospel music. * UAB Brass Day: An opportunity for brass musicians from the community to participate in workshops and performances alongside UAB faculty and students. * Lift Every Voice: An Afternoon of Spirituals: A performance dedicated to African American spirituals, underscoring the department's commitment to diverse musical heritage. * Chamber Music @ UAB: A regular series highlighting small-ensemble performance, a crucial skill for professional musicians.

A Legacy of Student and Faculty Achievement

The success of the UAB Department of Music is best measured by the achievements of its students and faculty, who consistently earn recognition on regional, national, and international stages.

National and International Recognition

The department has a proven track record of preparing students for success in highly competitive environments. Graduates of the UAB music programs consistently gain admission to and succeed in graduate study at some of the nation's most prestigious music schools. This success is a direct reflection of the quality of instruction and the comprehensive curriculum. In recent years, UAB music students have excelled in regional competitions. For instance, students Nole Jones and Johnathon Lyons won awards at a regional competition, earning them the opportunity to advance to the national level. Such accolades demonstrate the high level of performance training available.

Global Performance Opportunities

The UAB Concert Choir, a jewel in the department's crown, has a history of international engagement, including a European tour in 2014 where they won gold and silver medals in three categories. This commitment to global performance continues to be a hallmark of the program, with faculty and students regularly performing across the globe, bringing international experience back to the Birmingham campus.

Faculty Excellence and Innovation

Faculty members are not only dedicated educators but also active performers, composers, and researchers. Their commitment to their craft ensures that students receive instruction that is both academically sound and professionally relevant. Recent news highlights faculty performances, such as a program featuring music for saxophone alone and with a virtual orchestra, demonstrating the department's embrace of contemporary musical innovation. Furthermore, the launch of the new Music Therapy program, spearheaded by Professor Barber, showcases the department's forward-thinking approach to expanding the professional pathways available to its students. The UAB Department of Music, with its state-of-the-art facilities at the Alys Stephens Center, a dynamic 2025 concert schedule, and a strong commitment to both traditional and innovative music programs, continues to be a vibrant and essential cultural force in the Southeast. For prospective music students, the opportunities for academic rigor, performance excellence, and professional development are truly unparalleled.

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