In this 40-credit major, students are free to make the music that is most meaningful to them, without restrictions on genre or style. The program is focused on creativity and the creative process, developed through the practice of improvisation?making music in the moment?and extending to the craft of composition, recording, and innovative uses of music technology.

Students develop their musical knowledge during four semesters of musicianship courses including training in theory, sight-singing, and aural and rhythmic acuity. Each semester, Music students connect as a community in the Music Program Retreat, exploring the relationship between contemplative practice and music; this includes one-on-one meetings between students and faculty to clarify student goals and development. Performance skills are fostered through private music lessons, ensembles, and public and private concerts offered throughout the academic year. To further deepen their musical understanding, students explore multicultural perspectives on music-making, music history, and audio recording and production.