Programs of Study

Music has an essential role in a liberal arts college education began a new era in music studies, Music has an essential role in a liberal arts college education. Musical studies integrate mind, body and spirit. Students who study music in college prepare themselves for a lifetime appreciation of the musical arts. The faculty of the Music Department guides students along a rigorous yet joyful pursuit of knowledge in the following fields: instrumental/ensemble performance, theory of music, history of music, social/cultural musical context, and musical composition. Musical studies are interdisciplinary, drawing upon other disciplines in the arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, sciences and engineering. Musical studies teach transferable skills of value for careers in the professions and business.

The Department of Music offers courses in the disciplines of composition, ethnomusicology, musicology, performance, and theory. Our curriculum is inclusive and diverse, with emphasis on the traditions of western classical music, American music (especially African-American music and jazz), and world music (especially African and Asian music). We enthusiastically endorse individual study of instrumental and vocal performance and participation in performing ensembles; students may earn academic credit for these musical activities.

The Music Department's flexible program serves (a) those students who would choose music as a major or minor, and (b) all students seeking to develop their musical knowledge and/or performance skills. Students may major in music, double major in music and another field, or minor in music. Music courses fulfill many requirements (Arts Distribution, World Civilizations, International Relations, American Studies, and several interdisciplinary minors). The courses, programs, and facilities of the Music Department are open to all members of the Tufts community.