Music
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.
Performance Opportunities
African Music and Dance
Chamber Music
College Choir
Community Chorus
College Orchestra
Collegium
Jazz
Musical Theater
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.
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 MACMusic 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 CollectionElectronic Music Studio
The electronic music studio, located in the MAC, houses computer workstations with software for the creation of digital music compositions.
The Electronic StudioChapel 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 InstrumentsUpcoming Events
See more-
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 -
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 -
A Professional's "Under-The-Hood" Look At Recording a CD
A rare behind-the scenes peek into how modern music is created, by a 50+ year recording artist and guitar instructor.
Mahaney Arts Center, Olin C. Robison Concert Hall
Open to the Public