uring J.S. Bach's lifetime (1685–1750), a collegium musicum was a group of amateur musicians, primarily university students, who met to rehearse and perform for pleasure. The term is commonly used today to refer to ensembles of instrumentalists and singers that perform early music.

The University of Connecticut Collegium Musicum consists of up to 12 singers and 15 instrumentalists. Its purpose is to promote an understanding of the music of the late Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque period with regard to style, performance practices, and cultural milieu, through rehearsal and performance of at least one concert each semester. Participants have access to the university's extensive collection of early instruments. Membership in the group is open to current students, alumni, faculty, and community members.