Undergraduate Study in Music Welcome Occasionally we are asked what a music department does in an academic institution. The simple answer is: we train thinking musicians. This can mean a number of things, depending on your interests. Many of our students are performers, some of them excellent. We in the music department believe that understanding the cultural and historical background of the music we perform will help us gain a better understanding that will also result in a better performance. A number of our courses are concerned with the connection between detailed music analysis and performance, others with what the finer points of notation and detailed examination of manuscripts can tell us about performance practice, and others with the exploration of the connection between compositional styles and the wider intellectual movements in the arts and humanities. The Music Department covers a wide range of styles and genres: the whole gamut of western music history is represented from medieval chant to contemporary composition, as are large areas of musical traditions from other parts of the world, with a specific emphasis on South Asian and African cultures, as well as jazz and American music. Popular music has been represented in recent years by classes from California in the 60s to Global pop. As an academic program, rather than a pre-professional program, the music department does not have an extended performance faculty. We do not offer regular instrumental or vocal lessons, but Harvard runs a very competitive joint program with the New England Conservatory that provides its participants with both a broad-based liberal arts education and specialized music lessons. Other students take private lessons at Longy, NEC, with BSO musicians, or elsewhere in Boston’s rich musical landscape. The Music Department offers a number of undergraduate classes with master performers coaching chamber music ensembles, vocal ensembles, and dance, in a number of different settings. Harvard University hosts 45 music groups from Mariachi to the Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra to Gamelan Si Betty, an instrument built by the American composer Lou Harrison. Harvard looks back on a distinguished line of composers. Currently the Department has special strengths in electro-acoustic music, in avant-garde music theatre and in instrumental music. Besides individual sessions with our composition faculty, a weekly composition colloquium offers further opportunities for lively discussions of recent compositions. In our concentration we pay great attention to providing all our students with a solid and rigorous foundation in music theory and history, which will then lead on to further study in more specialized fields. The concentration offers a great deal of flexibility and ensures that the many diverse interests of our students are represented in its course offerings. Training thinking musicians means fostering connections between music and the other arts and humanities. We regularly offer classes that engage music in a wider cultural context, linking musical works with works of art, literature, or with philosophical questions. Many of our students are joint concentrators, who combine the rigorous study of music with another discipline. In their final year they write an honors thesis that combines their two chosen subjects. Some combinations are more common than others, but very exciting senior thesis have brought such diverse fields as economics, computer science, linguistics, or neuroscience to bear on music. Our graduates go on to careers in music performance and music scholarship, as well as careers in journalism, medicine, law, social service, and arts administration, among many others.   FAQ Why concentrate in Music? What can you do with an AB in Music from Harvard? How does it work?      I'm a composer [coming soon]      I'm interested in Musicology [coming soon]      I'm interested in Theory [coming soon]      I'm interested in Ethnomusicology [coming soon] Is an honors thesis required? What if I want to write one? Are there generals? Can I concentrate in more than one subject? Do I have any flexibility in how many courses I take each semester? Can I transfer credit for courses I've taken at another school? What if I have Advanced Standing? More Frequently Asked Questions Why concentrate in Music? The study of music not only deepens the student's appreciation and understanding of art, culture, and history; it hones the analytic, writing, creative, and critical thinking skills as much or more than any liberal arts subject. The concentration in Music incorporates theory, much as math does, and composition, much as any study of the arts. But the study of music also includes cultural history, politics, science (sound studies), and philosophy. Recent course offerings include those on Schoenberg, technomusicology, Coltrane, music in Jewish life, sacred and profane music in the 13th century, and a seminar conducting original research into an archive of new music. The Music Department at Harvard serves around 50 undergraduate concentrators (and a PhD program). Students reap the advantages of a smaller concentration: individual attention, friendliness, the opportunity to get to know faculty, fellow students, graduate students in music, and to become familiar with the department's many resources. What can you do with an A.B. from Harvard with a concentration in Music? Graduates in Music go on to a variety of careers. We've had graduates who have become lawyers, congressional aides, software developers, sound technicians, arts administrators, and speech pathologists, as well conductors, performers, and professors. The A.B. degree from Harvard with a concentration in Music is a liberal arts degree, and our students pursue careers in professions similar to anyone with liberal arts training. They also pursue careers as professional musicians, and many continue their studies and go on to become scholars. Click on the alumni profiles to the left to read more about recent graduates who concentrated in Music. How does it work? Students begin the concentration in Music with two foundational pillars: Music 97a, 97b, and 97c provide extensive knowledge of the history and literature of Western music as well as the principles of ethnomusicology and world music repertories; Music 51a, 51b, 150a, and 150b teach skills important in musicianship, theory, composition and analysis. While it is possible to complete the concentration requirements within five semesters, we encourage potential concentrators to enroll in Music 51 as early as possible to allow for the greatest possible flexibility in the path through the concentration. Students are then offered a wide range of advanced, specialized electives that build on the foundations laid in Music 97 and Music 51/150. A variety of courses in music theory, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, and performance-related areas allow students to engage with musical questions at a deep level. In musicology and ethnomusicology, these courses take the form of proseminars for small groups that explore in detail selected musicological issues and direct students toward significant independent projects. Several advanced courses in acoustic and electronic composition are given each year, along with occasional offerings in orchestration and other specific compositional topics. Advanced theory and analysis courses include such topics as tonal and post-tonal analysis, jazz harmony, and modal and tonal counterpoint. Performance-oriented courses include chamber music, historical performance practice, improvisation, and conducting. I'm a composer [coming soon] I'm interested in Musicology [coming soon] I'm interested in Theory [coming soon] I'm interested in Ethnomusicology [coming soon] Is an honors thesis required? What if I want to write one? Students are welcome to take a term of Supervised Reading and Research (Music 91) as an elective. This consists of individual work with a faculty member of the student’s choice. A term of Music 91 is especially encouraged for juniors intending on pursuing a senior thesis. For those writing senior theses, a year of senior tutorial (Music 99) is required. Options for senior theses include research papers, original compositions, or senior recitals. Are there generals? There are no general examinations for undergraduates. Can I concentrate in more than one subject? The department welcomes joint concentrations with other departments that allow them. Joint concentrators need to fulfill a reduced number of course requirements, as outlined below. A senior thesis is required on a topic in which both fields are represented. Joint concentrators pursue combined fields such as Music/Government, Music/Physics, Music/Math, and Music/Anthropology, to name just a few of the many options. I'm a performer and I practice a lot. Do I have any flexibility in how many courses I take each semester? For students who feel they require more time for applied practice and study, the department offers a five-year program. Students approved by the department and the Administrative Board for this program take the normal number of courses in their freshman year, but then work at the three-course rate for the four years following. This permits more intensive work in performance. These students are expected to give a senior recital. [Harvard's Five-Year Program is NOT the same as the Harvard/NEC Dual Degree program, which is also a five-year performance program where students earn a A.B from Harvard and an M.M. from New England Conservatory. For information on the Harvard/NEC program go to mmperformance.html Can I transfer credit for courses I've taken at another school? Students who have taken college courses in music at other institutions may receive concentration credit for work done elsewhere. This ordinarily involves a written petition to the faculty and may require taking an examination in the materials of the course for which credit is requested. Do I get credit for my AP Theory course? What if I have Advanced Standing? All students in the concentration are required to take Music 51. Under normal circumstances an Advanced Standing student will be expected to take this course in his or her first year. Concentrators exercising their Advanced Standing option are also encouraged to take Music 97a, Music 97b, and/or Music 97c as soon as possible.  Freshmen who have studied music theory previously will be admitted to the appropriate Harvard course given their preparation. This qualification will be determined by a Harvard Placement examination given during the Freshman Orientation. Students who wish to take the Harvard Placement examination in Music should check the Calendar of Opening Days.s For purposes of Advanced Standing eligibility, students who place out of both Music 51a and Music 51b though the Harvard Placement Examination in Music will earn one full credit toward Advanced Standing. The AP exam in Music cannot be applied toward either Advanced Standing credit or Music Concentration credit at Harvard. Concentration credit is not granted for passing out of Music 51; substitute courses may be selected with consultation of an adviser. Please consult the Head Tutor, Professor Thomas Kelly, tkelly@fas.harvard.edu; or the Undergraduate Coordinator, 617-495-2791. READ MORE ABOUT THE CONCENTRATION IN MUSIC Frequently Asked Questions What degrees does Harvard's Music Department offer? You can earn an A.B. from Harvard College with a concentration (or joint concentration, or secondary field [minor]) in Music. We also have a graduate program that offers the PhD in musicology, ethnomusicology, theory, or composition, and a small AM program in Performance Practice, meant for mid-career performers or scholars. In addition, Harvard and New England Conservatory offer a five-year, dual degree program where students can earn a A.B. from Harvard College and an M.M. from NEC. Click here for details. Does Harvard offer a music performance degree? Harvard has an academic music department, not a conservatory program, and does not have performance faculty or offer lessons. Also, we don't currently offer Music Education, Music Therapy, Vocal Performance, or Music/Sound Engineering degrees. That said, the music scene at Harvard is an especially vibrant one, and there are many experienced and talented musicians who chose Harvard for its strong liberal arts education and continue their music studies at a level equal to or greater than noted conservatories. The difference is that students must take the initiative to audition for the performance groups that interest them, and arrange lessons with Boston area tutors outside their work at Harvard. If you are a serious musician, you will find dozens of musicians who work and perform at a Conservatory level. If you are someone who enjoys performing for pleasure, you will likely be able to find your place within a large community of performers and a wide range of opportunities. Does Harvard require an audition for admission? No. Harvard does not hold auditions of any kind during the admissions process. If music is important to you, you are welcome (not required) to send in a CD of your performance as an "Arts Supplement" to your Common Application. What performance opportunities are there at Harvard? The majority of Harvard students come to college with some musical background. There are no less than 45 student music organizations on campus ranging from Mariachi to gamelan, Chinese chorus to jazz bands to several orchestras, choral groups, a capella groups, world music groups, bands, and percussion ensembles. Each operates independently with their own schedule of rehearsals and concerts, and most audition for new members each fall. Musical activities are considered extra-curricular (with some exceptions, such as the performance classes run by the department for credit). For information on music performance both in the Music Department and elsewhere on campus, click here. For information about Harvard's new A.B./M.M. dual degree performance program with New England Conservatory, click here. The Music Department offers a few performance courses for credit each term; examples from recent years include choral conducting, chamber music, jazz improvisation, orchestration, and performance/analysis. It also offers a full composition program. Is it possible to study an instrument with music department faculty? Music faculty do not give instrument or vocal lessons. Students who wish to pursue lessons are encouraged to find a music tutor in the Boston area. For more information on finding a tutor, go to Performance. Does Harvard have a choral music program? There are numerous choral music opportunities at Harvard, including the Choral Fellows Program and the University Choir. However, the Music Department offers no degree program in choral music. The Director of Choral Activities at Harvard is Andrew Clark; for information about Professor Clark and many of the choral groups on campus, click here. What do students do with a AB in Music? Students who graduate with an AB with a concentration in Music go on to as many different fields as any student with a liberal arts degree. Many are successful going on to Conservatory after Harvard, and music concentrators have recently gone on to study at USC, NEC, or Juilliard. Some pursue a performance career. Others go to Law School, get a business degree, or go to graduate school in a number of fields, including historical musicology. How big is the Department of Music? The Music Department ordinarily has around 18 permanent faculty, around 6 visiting faculty, and 40 undergraduate concentrators, 70 graduate students, 10 staff, and 10-15 associates. At Harvard, it is a mid-sized department.		Listen in on Music 175 class recital: Transfigured Night 12/12 [Pierrot Lunaire] Music 153 class concert: Jazz Harmony 12/12 [Moogology] [Joint Fracture] [Coffee for Midterms] Videos                     Undergraduates In the News 2013 Survey findings: Excellent prospects for music majors! Students in Harvard/NEC program juggle Music & Academics Let there be Music! Improvisational Prodigy Gamelan-a-thon! Changing Lives with Music and Science Miranda visits American Musicals Voice Studies/NEC joint program Sound Studies Lab opens at Harvard
Visiting the Department Harvard College Admissions Tours and Information Sessions (highly recommended) Cambridge Area Accommodations Academic Calendar Visit a Class [Harvard-wide] [To visit a specific music class, choose one from our courses, then email the professor to ask permission to sit in.] You are welcome to visit the Music Department anytime during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Please know that meeting with music department staff in no way impacts your application; these meetings are informational only. Individual academic departments (such as music) are not involved with the Admissions process at Harvard College. To make an appointment to visit the Music Department Call 617-495-2791 or write musicdpt@fas.harvard.edu to arrange an appointment with Lesley Bannatyne, Managing Communications Coordinator. Expect your visit to last around 15 minutes. If you decide to make an application The Harvard College Office of Admissions and Financial Aid handles the admissions process in its entirety. All questions about the admissions process, as well as all supplementary application materials, should be sent to them: Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Harvard College 86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Harvard College Admissions also tracks all applications and is responsible for all materials and submitted information. If you need to know the status of your application, contact them at 617-495-1551. NOTE: Please do not call the Music Department about the status of your application or the return of your materials. We don't have them. The best times to visit the department are when classes are in session. However, you can come by at any time to see the building and facilities. The Music Department is open 9-5 Monday through Friday except for holidays.
Information for Current Freshman Those considering a concentration in Music should consult as soon as possible with the instructor of Music 51. At a convenient time during the first semester, students should also meet with the Head Tutor or Assistant Tutor for the Department. Students begin the concentration in Music with two foundational pillars: Music 97a, 97b, and 97c provide an extensive knowledge of the history and literature of Western music as well as the principles of ethnomusicology and world music repertories; Music 51a, 51b, 150a, and 150b teach skills important in musicianship, theory, and analysis. While it is possible to complete the concentration requirements within five semesters, we encourage potential concentrators to take Music 51 in their first year at Harvard, or to pass out of it by examination. A placement exam will be offered at the start of each academic year. (Students who enter with a significant background in theory may bypass portions of the theory sequence) More info on Music 51 and the placement exam will be posted on the course website. Students are then offered a wide range of advanced, specialized electives that build on the foundations laid in Music 97 and Music 51/150. The Department welcomes joint concentrations with other departments that allow them. Joint concentrators need to fulfill a reduced number of course requirements. A senior thesis is required on a topic in which both fields are represented. Any students with an interest in music--even if they are not considering the concentration--are encouraged to take Music 1a, Music 1b, Music 2, or Core/GenEd courses in Music.