Taking Note:
"A Unique Environment in Which to Pursue Music"

Arts Spectrum asked several Harvard undergraduates—as well as a graduate student music tutor—what excites them about music at Harvard:

Kevin Leong, B.S.E., PhD., Assistant Senior Tutor, Adams House: For me, it’s making music with and teaching music to bright people who enjoy using their minds. The study of music is also the study of history, language, science, and a whole host of other disciplines. It’s exciting to see and learn what Harvard students bring to music-making from their outside studies and interests.

Philip Houston ‘03: Music excites me at Harvard for the same reason that it excites me anywhere. Music is a great source of happiness for me, and I know it is for many other students as well. Harvard does offer a unique environment in which to pursue music. So many people here are musically talented, but very few are music concentrators. What that results in is an extracurricular scene filled with musical groups and extremely talented musicians. Whether it is a cappella, choral, or orchestral music, the student musical groups at Harvard are serious about what they do and quite good at doing it. And, as is the case with other Harvard student groups, it is the people—the students themselves—that really make the musical scene what it is.

William Daines ‘04: I love that the majority of music produced at Harvard comes from musicians who pursue other fields. Music at Harvard fulfills one of the true purposes of music: it takes the musician and the listener above and beyond his or her everyday concerns. We, as students, face challenges to our time and intellect. When we come together as musicians we are able to overcome our worries and enjoy one of life’s great pleasures. It is refreshing to see participants play music because it brings them joy.

Christina McCalla ‘06: What excites me about music at Harvard? Anyone of any skill level can find an outlet to pursue music in his or her own way. One can join one of the many ensembles on campus, from large to small, prestigious to casual, performance oriented to simply curious about music. You don’t have to be a virtuoso to be praised either. The most fulfilling venture for me this year was playing solos at senior centers with MINHUET [Music in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Using Entertainment as Therapy]. I never played anything stunning, but a simple set of light music really made a difference in the residents’ day. And for me, playing an easier solo was always harder than a difficult piece within a large group, so I still found ways to challenge myself musically this year. There’s no reason not be excited about music at Harvard; every opportunity is out there, or you can create your own.

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