The Occidental College Music Department is a community that values and cultivates the creation, performance, and critical study of the world’s musics. Students majoring in music develop an integrated understanding of music as creative work, as cultural and historical expression, and as performance. Through its curriculum, recitals, lectures, master classes, residencies, and other public events, the Music Department leads the musical discourse that enriches College and community life.

Students study, practice, and perform in Booth Music Hall and Thorne Hall, with access to practice rooms, large and small performance venues, a well-equipped electronic music studio, and an outstanding music library of scores, recordings, and computers with musicianship and music notation programs.

News and events:

The Music Department is delighted to welcome two new colleagues this year: Prof. Shanna Lorenz, Ethnomusicology and Popular Musics, and Desiree LaVertu, Director of Choral Music.

This year's Music Student Council members are Margaret Leith '10, Alyson Melzer '11, and Daniel Strychacz '11.

Upcoming events:

Frederica von Stade in recital! March 4, 8:00 p.m., Thorne Hall
Click here for information and tickets

Please visit our Concerts and Events page for an up-to-the-minute listing of all our events.
 

Music Department goals for student learning:

Music students will be able to apply critical and analytic skills to the study of music in theoretical, historical and cultural contexts

Music students will engage the community at large as scholars, performers, composers, and teachers

Music students will demonstrate proficiency in aural and keyboard musicianship

Music students will be proficient in performance on an instrument, voice, or electronic media

Last Updated 01/26/2010