Jared R. Rawlings Named Director of UMD’s School of Music

An esteemed music educator and scholar, Rawlings brings a visionary approach to leadership, learning and equity.

By SOM Staff 

Esteemed music teacher educator and administrator Jared R. Rawlings has been appointed director of the University of Maryland School of Music (SOM), effective July 1, 2025. 

Rawlings succeeds Interim Director Michael Votta, Jr., who will continue to serve as professor of conducting and director of bands in the SOM.

Widely known for his research on bullying in music classrooms, which has been recognized by the American Educational Research Association, the World Anti-Bullying Forum and the Bullying Research Network, Rawlings brings a wealth of teaching, scholarship and administrative experience to UMD. Currently the director of the School of Music at the University of Missouri, Rawlings previously taught undergraduate and graduate music education coursework at the University of Utah, where he also served in leadership positions including associate director of the School of Music, director of undergraduate studies, and music education area head. 

“Dr. Rawlings joins UMD with a compelling combination of academic distinction, artistic leadership and a strong commitment to equity in music education," said Stephanie Shonekan, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “We are excited to see how his vision will continue to elevate the School of Music and inspire our students, faculty and broader community.”

With this appointment, Rawlings will work in close collaboration with the SOM community to develop a strategic plan that ensures long-term sustainability, while maintaining the school’s distinguished tradition of excellence in musical instruction, creativity and scholarship. He hopes to strengthen UMD’s position as a national leader in innovative and high-impact music education.

“The opportunity to lead a school of music dedicated to creative expression and critical artistic thinking is incredibly exciting,” said Rawlings. “I am looking forward to working with the faculty, staff and students.”

As a researcher, Rawlings has presented his work on arts equity, pedagogy related to teaching and conducting music and adolescent, school-based social interactions to national and international audiences. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education. His book “Reflections on Elizabeth A. H. Green’s Life and Career in Music Education” was published in 2022 by Routledge Press.

Rawlings received a doctorate in music education from the University of Michigan with a cognate in wind band conducting, a Master of Music degree in wind band conducting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace University.