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The
teaching of music at the University of Virginia had its origins
in the 1820s when the University's governing body, the Board of
Visitors discussed the need for a building in the middle of Grounds
for religious worship, for a library, and for schools of music and
drawing. Lacking the funds for such an endeavor, the board simply
approved music instruction on University Grounds and a series of
music classes and lessons in the Rotunda began. |
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1820-1918The Board of Visitors discusses the need for a building in the middle of Grounds for religious worship, for a library, and for schools of music and drawing. Music instruction on University Grounds begins with a series of music classes and lessons in the Rotunda.
1919-1940Paul McIntire expresses interest in funding a School of Fine Arts and provides full funding for both a school of art, with a focus on art history, and a school of music history and appreciation, based on similar programs at Yale, Princeton, and Harvard.
1940-1950Classes are held in theory and instrumental training, choral singing and orchestra at the south end of the West Range. Several concerts per year are offered. Classes move into Minor hall and the department grows to include courses on history, theory, and composition.
1951-1960Classes move to Old Cabell Hall. A music education program that required training in performance is offered through the School of Education, taught by instructors brought in from Washington and Richmond. A University Orchestra joins the Glee Club, Concert Band, University Singers and String Orchestra.
1961-1970The full time faculty number five and Mr. and Mrs. Darden establish a music library with funding for a 1/2 librarian and the purchase of several scores, records, and manuscripts.
1971-1980Enrollment in some music classes grows from ten to over one hundred. The number of full- time faculty grows to twelve. The Glee Club, Women's Chorus, University Singers, Collegium Musicum and New Music Ensemble become curricular courses. A half time concert manager position is established and study in the history of jazz, ethnic, and electronic music begins. The Symphony Orchestra establishes a volunteer board and offers a subscription series. A professional piano trio is hired to perform and teach. Two of its members serve as principals in the orchestra.
1981-presentOrchestra principals form Albemarle Ensemble, and a faculty chamber series is established. The Virginia Center for Computer Music is established through grants from the Academic Computing Support Committee and the department receives a three-year Academic Enhancement Award. Academic credit for lessons, scholarships for music majors, and an active recruitment process through the Office of Admissions begins.Department offerings include courses in theory, history, early music, jazz, computer music, and conducting, some of which attract more than 300 students a semester. The number of music majors grew from ten in 1981 to the current level of sixty. The department sponsors over eighty concerts and lectures a year. The Symphony Orchestra has ten professional principals and thirty five professional musicians. The department offers private music lessons for credit. Classes are available in jazz improvisation and opera performance. |
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