Academic Programs
Music

Department of Music

Get Involved!

Explore a career in music, join an ensemble, learn a new instrument, sing in a musical, or just experience a concert.

The Department of Music is one of the most active departments on campus. Through our vast program of traditional classes, private music lessons, and performance opportunities, you can explore and experience music in ways you can only begin to imagine. Learn about how you could study musical theater, production, recording, world music, composition, performance, and more! We feature a talented and dedicated faculty whe embrace music from a variety of styles from around the globe.

Working Musical

Music & Related Minors

A minor is a great way to expand your resume and marketability!

Minor in Music

A minor in Music is a great way to explore your love of music, while pursing other careers. All Music minors take two semesters of Music Theory, as well as 20 additional credits of classes, ensembles, or one-on-one lessons (applied music)

Learn More about the Minor

Ethnomusicology & World Music

Using music as an entry into a variety of cultures, social classes, and populations, the discipline of ethnomusicology has become an important field of study for students interested in music education, music performance, music history, performance studies (ritual studies, dramaturgy and ethnochoreology), cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and other interdisciplinary fields.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ETHNOMUSICOLOGY & WORLD MUSIC

Arts Management & Entrepreneurship

The interdisciplinary Arts Management & Entrepreneurship program prepares students for careers in the arts by exposing them to this industry’s breadth of professional opportunities, and by arming them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed as organizational leaders and creative entrepreneurs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARTS MANAGEMENT

Music Ensembles

The Department houses over a dozen ensembles: from symphonic band to rock band and string orchestra to musical pit orchestra. We welcome students from all majors to participate in our ensembles for as many semesters as you like. Click the link below to see the full list of ensembles available to you!

More about Ensembles

Courses and Lessons

Ensembles not your thing? Join us for a more traditional classroom course, or take lessons to further develop your instrument or learn a new one! Follow the link to learn more about these opportunities. Don't forget to check out our faculty page as well to meet who you may be studying with.

More about Lessons

What's special about Music at Washington College?

Hip-Hop Time Capsule

This summer, Chesapeake Heartland’s Hip Hop Time Capsule paired Kent County teenagers and Washington College students with musicians, college professors, and museum professionals to research, explore, document, and interpret the rich history of African American music in Kent County, Md.

International Travel

Every year students from across campus join the music department for winter term trips abroad to culturally and musically exciting destinations like Cuba and India!

Musical Theater

The Department of Music love the theater! In the past few years we have presented beloved shows Godspell, Big Fish, Pippin, and Tommy! Opportunities exist for both majors and non-majors, as well as for singers, instrumentalists, designers, and crew.