News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Harvard University

Department of Music

Visit Web Site
TwitterCollege Twitter FacebookCollege Facebook InstagramCollege Instagram

Cambridge Street
Cambridge,Massachusetts 02138
617.495.2791
college@fas.harvard.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Doctor of Philosophy 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 as or more than any liberal arts subject. 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. Many of our students are performers. We believe that understanding the cultural and historical background of the music we perform will result in a better performance. 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, jazz, and American music. Popular music has been represented in recent years by classes from California in the 60s to Global pop to the study of activism through music and songwriting. The requirements for a music concentration are very flexible. Our faculty numbers 26 members, and we serve approximately 30-50 undergraduate concentrators (as well as 60-70 PhD students). 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.

Notable Alumni Include:

Caroline Murphy, Forrest O'Connor, Aram Demirjian, Kathleen Stetson, Ben Eisler, Kathryn Andersen, Kurt Crowley, Emily Richmond Pollock, Lara Hirner, David Dodman, Berenika Zakrzewski Schmitz.




Faculty Info:

Ingrid Monson, Carolyn Abbate, Jessica Bodner, Claire Chase, Daniel Chong, Andrew Clark, Suzannah Clark, Federico Cortese, Chaya Czernowin, Ken Hamao, Christopher Hasty, Vijay Iyer, Yvette Janine Jackson, Joseph R. Jakubowski, Kee-Hyun Kim, Landon Morrison, Carol J. Oja, Alexander Rehding, Kay Kaufman Shelemay, Braxton Shelley, Anne C. Shreffler, Esperanza Spalding, Yosvany Terry, Hans Tutschku, Michael Uy, Kate van Orden, Richard K. Wolf.



Related Articles

Annual Holiday Tradition MIDWINTER REVELS to Return to Sanders Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 22, 2024


Revels will return to Harvard University’s historic Sanders Theatre with its 54th annual December production, Midwinter Revels: The Selkie Girl and the Seal Woman - A Celtic and Cabo Verdean Celebration of the Solstice. Learn how to attend.

Smino Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award By Harvard's Black Men's Forum
by Blair Ingenthron - November 16, 2024


Smino received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Harvard's Black Men's Forum, recognizing his contributions to music and culture. The ceremony highlighted his impact and influence in the industry.


by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 12, 2024


Omayra Amaya Flamenco Dance Company Will Perform ANTES DEL FIN
by Stephi Wild - October 23, 2024


Omayra Amaya Flamenco Dance Company will present ANTES DEL FIN from January 31-February 2, 2025 at Arrow Street Arts.

Second Show Added for LA LA LAND In Concert At Carnegie Hall
by A.A. Cristi - October 11, 2024


A second performance of LA LA LAND IN CONCERT has been added at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage due to popular demand, offering more opportunities to experience the live event.

Columbus Symphony Announces Elias Miller as New Assistant Conductor
by Stephi Wild - September 09, 2024


The Columbus Symphony has named Elias Miller as its new Assistant Conductor. Miller has established a reputation as a leading young conductor, having worked with numerous orchestras across the United States, including the New York Philharmonic, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Nashville Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Albany Symphony.

A.R.T. Announces Free Conversation With Stephen Greenblatt, Raime Targoff, And Diane Paulus
by A.A. Cristi - August 14, 2024


On Monday, September 16 at 7PM, American Repertory Theater Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director will host a lively conversation at the Loeb Drama Center with renowned professors Stephen Greenblatt and Ramie Targoff in conjunction with American Repertory Theater's upcoming production of Shakespeare's iconic love story, Romeo and Juliet.  

Rudy Pankow, Emilia Suárez, and Terrence Mann to Lead Diane Paulus' ROMEO AND JULIET
by Joshua Wright - July 11, 2024


American Repertory Theater announced casting for its 2024/25 season opener, Romeo and Juliet, featuring Rudy Pankow, Emilia Suárez, and Terrence Mann. Performances begin August 31, 2024.

A DATE WITH MY WILD Will Be Performed Next Month as Part of the 2024 Turn The Lights On! Festival 
by Stephi Wild - June 26, 2024


Stage Arising will present A Date With My Wild, written and directed by Alexandria Rengifo. The production will be presented as part of the 2024 Turn The Lights On! Festival with FRIGID New York at the Playhouse46 at St. Luke's Theatre.

Boston Modern Orchestra Projects Ends Season With Free Concert in May
by Blair Ingenthron - April 21, 2024


The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP), the nation's premier orchestra dedicated exclusively to commissioning, performing, and recording new orchestral music, concludes its 26th season with a free concert at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.

JAGGED LITTLE PILL To Complete US Tour At Hanover Theater In April
by A.A. Cristi - April 03, 2024


Catch the acclaimed A.R.T. musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL before it wraps up its US tour, and learn how to get tickets while reading about the end of the touring production.

Harvard University And MetaLA Announce Spring Keynote Seminar
by A.A. Cristi - March 20, 2024


Explore the future of choreography with Sydney Skybetter's seminar, Clock, Fall: Choreorobotics and Near Futures of Choreographic Practice, at Harvard University's Mahindra Humanities Center.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem Announces New Board of Director Members
by Stephi Wild - March 05, 2024


The Classical Theatre of Harlem will welcome Tony nominee Kara Young, Dr. Karen Jackson Weaver, and Renée Beaumont to its board of directors. Learn more about the new members here!

Stew's HIGH SUBSTITUTE FOR THE HEAD LECTURER to Premiere at Harlem Stage in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 27, 2024


Harlem Stage will present the premiere of Tony Award-winning playwright, composer, performer, and Harvard University professor Stew’s HIGH SUBSTITUTE FOR THE HEAD LECTURER. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Diane Paulus-Directed ROMEO AND JULIET Will Open at A.R.T. in September
by Stephi Wild - February 27, 2024


A new production of Romeo and Juliet is headed to American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University this September! The production will be directed by A.R.T.’s Tony Award-winning Artistic Director Diane Paulus and feature movement direction and choreography by two-time Olivier Award winner Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.



Past Student Productions

SHOW THEATER
Footloose
(4/26/19 - 4/27/19)
Harvard University
CABARET (1998 VERSION)
(5/4/17 - 5/7/17)
Harvard University
In the Heights
(4/13/17 - 4/15/17)
Harvard University
GYPSY
(3/31/17 - 4/8/17)
Harvard University
Carousel in Broadway Carousel
(3/10/14 - 3/13/14)
Harvard University

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You