About the Department
A community of musicians and mentors.
In our Department of Music, you can feel the strength of the community that’s built every day in music studies classes. The collaborative environment is intentionally designed to bring out the best in every music student. Music studies goes beyond just practicing your craft, it also involves service to the community, a union of faith and music, and creative inspiration.
The music department is intentionally collaborative, and students work closely with faculty mentors and fellow students. The weekly Music Colloquia, Musica Viva recitals, ensemble rehearsals, and other department activities help create an environment that is supportive of all musicians.
Targeted Degree Programs
Our music degree programs are designed for musicians of all levels and career interests. Valpo’s music alumni excel in careers from music teaching, music therapy, church music, performance, arts management, and numerous other musical professions.
To acknowledge these diverse interests, the music department offers three degree programs, as well as a music minor. The many options within these degree programs ensure that music students cultivate their own talents and interests.
Service to the Whole Community
The department welcomes students of all majors to be involved in musical life on campus. Non-majors can participate in department ensembles, studio lessons, introductory music courses, and extracurricular music groups. Learn more »
Union of Music and Faith
The music department invites students to explore the biggest questions of creativity, meaning, and vocation — in the classroom and beyond. Students can pursue a concentration in church music or join the selective and extracurricular ensembles that perform in the beautiful Chapel of the Resurrection. Valparaiso University also shares a special connection to the music of Bach and his church in Germany, which students can pursue through the Bach Institute and through the Chorale’s performances of sacred works.
Rich Performance Opportunities
Valparaiso University’s music rings throughout the nation and the world. With no fewer than four choirs, three concert bands, a symphony orchestra, and a jazz band, Valpo’s ensembles give you the opportunity to perform with your peers in exciting and challenging repertoire for enthusiastic audiences.
Creative Inspiration
The department’s busy concert calendar is deliberately designed to support learning, whether students listen in the audience or perform on stage. Throughout the year, a diverse group of visiting performers and scholars present recitals, lectures, workshops, and seminars. Students regularly attend inspiring concerts to develop their listening acuity and expand their musical horizons.