Music

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 tracks—gives more focused preparation for graduate schools or other pursuits.

The Music Department offers the following majors:

1. Music Studies major: for students looking for foundational training in music (often done in combination with another major).
2. Music major:  for students expecting to go on to advanced study in the field of music. These include the following tracks:
   • Choral Conducting
   • Music Performance (must be declared by the sophomore year)

Program Details

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 (MUSG courses). Students study Western music theory and composition, musicology (popular, non-Eurogenic, and Western classical), ethnomusicology, electronic and computer music, and engage in interdisciplinary study.  Expert private instruction via applied lessons (MUSL courses) is offered on a wide array of instruments and voice.