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.
The Music Department offers two majors:
- Music Studies major: for students looking for foundational training in music (often done in combination with another major).
- 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)
The Music major may be combined with a Master of Teaching in a 3+1 program for students interested in music education.
Our music program is strong in many areas of performance and classroom study. Performing ensembles feature Percussion, Javanese Gamelan, Orchestra, Choirs, Jazz, and Chamber Music. Students study Western music theory and composition, musicology (popular, non-Eurogenic, and Western classical), ethnomusicology, electronic and computer music, engage in interdisciplinary study, and have opportunities to prepare for a career in music education.
Music Studies
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in music studies, you must successfully complete the following:
All of the following courses in Theory and Musicianship:
The following Musicology courses:
Eight additional credits of Applied Music
Senior Seminar and Senior Capstone Project
Can I receive individual instruction on my instrument?
Yes! Find the current list of instructors for applied studio instruction here.
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.