Overview

About Music

Do you love to sing or play an instrument? Whether you're interested in music education, music performance, or studying and listening to music, our flexible curriculum lets you create a personalized program. You'll also experience the abundant and varied concert life in the New York region by attending first-rate musical events in the city. 

Besides the general music major, we also offer a specialized music major in vocal performance. This program will provide you with intensive, individualized training in vocal performance within the context of a well-rounded liberal arts education. Whether you focus on the classical or contemporary repertoire, or both, our multifaceted music faculty will support you through a solid grounding in vocal technique and musicianship.

Performing opportunities include the College Choir, which performs regularly at Carnegie Hall as well as regionally and internationally; tailor-made opera scene programs; the concert and jazz bands; contemporary music ensembles; recitals; and College and student-run musical theater productions.

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CLASSES OF NOTE

Jazz and Blues

A survey of jazz beginning with its roots in the blues and ragtime, focusing on the music of the greatest performers in various jazz styles (New Orleans, big band, bebop, etc.). Trips to concerts (normally on Friday evenings or weekends).

Music in the Theater

In-depth study of how music of various types has been used in selected examples of drama, dance, opera, and other theatrical genres in Western culture from the Renaissance to the present, including film and television.

Chaos to Counterpoint

Beginning with the chaos in Europe after the fall of Rome, this course traces how evolving styles gradually led to the flowering of music in the Gothic period under the liberal arts curriculum of the University of Paris, then evolved to produce the new contrapuntal masterpieces of the Renaissance.

Beyond the Classroom

Internships

  • Carnegie Hall
  • Lincoln Center
  • Sony Music Entertainment
  • Octone Records
  • Snug Harbor Cultural Center
  • Staten Island Symphony

Ensembles

  • Concert Band
  • Jazz Ensembles
  • College Choir
  • Treble Concert Choir
  • Stretto a cappella
  • Chamber groups

Vocal Synergy

“I want to work on the business side of music, so this group is helpful. It's good for both my major and what I love to do.”