The Earlham Department of Music models the belief that all musics are worthy of study. This is reflected not only in the impressive range of our ensembles, it is also woven into the entire music curriculum.
Around our core curriculum are many options that allow students to individualize their study of music within the department. Whereas the music studies program provides you with a solid liberal arts grounding in music, the music major—with its various concentrations—gives more focused preparation for graduate schools or other pursuits.
Our music program is particularly strong in the areas of computer-generated music, Latin jazz, percussion, ethnomusicology, the musics of Indonesia and Eastern Europe and non-canonic choral music. Our offerings in musicology are as broad-ranging as are our ensembles, and challenge students to think about music from multiple perspectives.
Through our 3+1 Education Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and teaching license—all in just nine semesters.
You’ll leave Earlham with two degrees, licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Indiana. (And it’s easy to transfer your license to other states—many of our graduates do!)
Music majors and tracks
The Earlham Music Department offers three majors and five tracks:
- Music studies major: for students looking for foundational training in music (often done in combination with another major).
- Music education major: offered in conjunction with Earlham’s M.A.T. Program, this provides you with the opportunity to complete a masters degree in music education in four years.
- Music major: for students expecting to go on to advanced study in the field of music. These include the following tracks:
- Composition track (must be declared by the sophomore year)
- Computer music track
- Conducting track
- Ethnomusicology track
- Performance track (must be declared by the sophomore year)
Music Studies
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in music studies, you must successfully complete the following:
Theory and Musicianship
Musicology
Applied
Senior Seminar and Senior Capstone Project
Music Education
To participate in the 3+1 program in music education, you must successfully complete the following in preparation for the Master of Arts in Teaching program:
Theory and Musicianship
Musicology
Applied (12 credit hours)
For instrumental students:
- A minimum of four semesters in the study of 1) the string group, 2) the woodwind group, 3) the brass group, 4) the percussion group.
- Participation in Orchestra for a minimum of three semesters and Rhythm Project for a minimum of one. Adjustments possible depending on student background.
For choral students:
- Four semesters of study on a primary instrument.
- Four semesters of voice.
- A minimum of four semesters participating in choral ensembles.
- A minimum of 2 additional semesters of piano study, ideally 4.
Capstone (3)
Music
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in music, you must successfully complete the following coursework. In addition to the requirements of the music studies major, above, the music major will require the following, based on area of concentration:
Composition
- Admission to the composition track is by audition. An initial sampling of works will be evaluated and an assessment of compositional ability will be determined by the faculty prior to admission.
- Six additional credits in applied composition lessons above the two stipulated in the basic track.
- An additional Western classical music seminar specifically in music after 1900 or an Independent Study survey of some aspect of contemporary composition.
- A portfolio evaluation of works produced during the student’s time at Earlham will be required before graduation.
- A portfolio evaluation of works produced during the student’s time at Earlham will be required before graduation.
Computer Music
Conducting
- A combination of Independent Studies and Teaching Assistantships in ensemble direction, designed in consultation with the appropriate ensemble director, for nine credit hours.
Ethnomusicology
Music Performance
- Admission to the performance track is by audition in the primary performing medium.
- Performance evaluations (“juries”) will occur at the end of selected semesters.
To earn a minor in music, you must successfully complete the following:
Students completing a music education major and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree as part of the 3+1 MAT program will be eligible for licensure provided they meet the requirements.
-
93% of recent music graduates were working or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
92% of work seekers who majored in the visual and performing arts between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
Careers
Recent graduates have been admitted to graduate programs in music education, music composition and other areas.
Outcomes
The top job industry for music majors is education/teaching.
Can I receive individual instruction on my instrument?
Yes! Earlham students have access to the following instructors for applied studio instruction.
Caryl Bailey
Piano Instructor
baileca@earlham.edu
Richard Begel
Trombone Instructor
richbeg@gmail.com
Elaine Bergman
Flute Instructor
betterliving@etczone.com
Julie Collins
Oboe Instructor
yesjuliecollins@gmail.com
Sarah Hanson
Saxophone Instructor
rob@indyjazzfest.net
Charlie Estes
Guitar Instructor
charlieestes@frontier.com
Joanne King
Harp Instructor
jjking2@bsu.edu
Lynnell Lewis
Voice Instructor
lynnell@mirabaimusic.com
Michael Majors
Bassoon Instructor
majormi@earlham.edu
Anton Neumayr
Bass Instructor
aneumayr@cinci.rr.com
Kevin Nordstrom
Violin/Viola Instructor
knordstrom86@gmail.com
Jessica Pinkham
French Horn Instructor
jessicapinkhamhorn@gmail.com
Patrick Piper
Gospel Revelations Music Director
ppiper1@ivytech.edu
Marcel Ramalho
Voice Instructor
mmellobari@gmail.com
Charles Ramsey
Guitar/Electric Guitar Instructor
ramsech@earlham.edu
Erin Roesch
Clarinet Instructor
ceroesch1998@gmail.com
Michael Ronstadt
Cello Instructor
mronstadt@michaelronstadt.com
Can I do off-campus study?
Yes! Earlham offers a variety of off-campus study options.
Learn more about available programs via our Center for Global and Career Education.
What are the facilities like?
The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, which was completed in 2014, provides state-of-the-art facilities, featuring separate rooms for rehearsing jazz, percussion and Javanese gamelan.
There’s also an acoustically superb recital hall, which doubles as rehearsal space for orchestra and choir, as well as sonically isolated practice rooms and teaching studios equipped with Steinway pianos.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes! The Rariden Scholarship is awarded annually to a student entering Earlham who is interested in pursuing an area within the visual and performing arts — art, music or theatre. Preference is given to a student from Wayne County, Indiana, although the selection committee will consider Indiana students from outside the county as well. The scholarship is $5,000 for each of a student’s four years at Earlham, totaling $20,000.
Earlham’s admissions counselors will screen applications from Wayne, Fayette, Randolph, Union and Franklin counties. The convener of the Visual and Performing Arts Division will send eligible applicants a letter and an information form in March. The form should be promptly returned to the Admissions Office.
Candidates will be contacted in April for interviews, and the winner will be notified by May 1.
In addition to this scholarship, there is financial assistance available through the Len Holvig and Anna Morrisett awards for singers and pianists, and numerous awards for private lessons.