The Department of Music provides a creative environment for the study and performance of music with a global perspective, and encourages students to develop skills, expand knowledge, and contribute actively to society as artists and citizens.

We offer a diverse curriculum that engages students in historical and cultural study, as well as analysis, creation, and performance of music.

Our emphasis on global perspective and experiential learning provides opportunities for each student to explore and develop their own musical passions, and to collaborate with peers and faculty in many ways, including through interdisciplinary work, ensemble participation, and independent projects.

All Music Department courses, ensembles, lessons, and other activities are equally available to nonmajors and majors alike. The curriculum for music majors offers a balance between thoroughness and flexibility, offering each student a chance to develop areas of strength in the context of a broad liberal arts education.

A wide range of lessons are available—including piano, voice, and most orchestral instruments.

Students walking to and from the MAC.

Our Facilities

The MAC

The 100,000-square-foot Kevin P. Mahaney ’84 Center for the Arts, known as the MAC, is a hub of arts activity on campus. It’s also home to the Music Department and includes practice rooms, lockers, an electronic music studio, and a 372-seat concert hall.

Explore the MAC

Music Collection

Our extensive collection, located in the Davis Family Library, contains reference, CD, book, video, and score collections in the field of music and dance. 

Our Music Collection

Chapel Organ and Carillon

The Middlebury Chapel houses a large pipe organ that was constructed by the Gress-Miles Organ Company in 1971, as well as a carillon, assembled in 1915 and enhanced over the years. Both are played regularly and enjoyed throughout the campus.

Chapel Instruments

Upcoming Events

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  • photo of the speaker standing outside

    Sorrow, Tears and Blood: The Enduring Legacy of the Afrobeat Prophet

    Fela Anikulapo Kuti remains the most critical politically focused artist in African music history. This presentation will examine Kuti’s 1977 album, Sorrow, Tears and Blood, which serves as a focal point for his musical and political development. With Nigeria on the verge of a historic presidential election, this presentation takes stock of the conditions under which everyday Nigerians live through the soundscape and messages of the album. 

    This event is immediately followed by “The Huddle and The Higher Ground” (see separate listing).

    Mahaney Arts Center 221

    Open to the Public
  • photo of the speaker standing outside

    The Huddle and the Higher Ground

    How do we retain our talented faculty and staff, and how do we ensure that we are all working towards building an inclusive community? Dr. Shonekan will discuss two programs she designed and implemented for faculty and staff. “The Huddle” is a mentoring program for junior faculty, and “Higher Ground” is a series of conversations within staff about inclusion and diversity. 

    This event is immediately preceded by “Sorrow, Tears and Blood: The Enduring Legacy of the Afrobeat Prophet” (see separate listing).

    Mahaney Arts Center 221

    Open to the Public

Meet with Faculty

Office Hours

Explore the Major

Majoring in Music

Find Forms and Info

Student Resources

Explore Lessons

Private Lessons