Department of Music

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Whittier College Department of Music provides a welcoming environment to all students who wish to learn more about music ranging from popular to jazz and classical to world music. Introductory and advanced courses (both theoretical and historical) are designed for students to explore this wide range of music as either music majors, music minors, or as students fulfilling liberal education requirements. Our performing ensembles also embrace this wide variety of musical styles and are open to all Whittier College students regardless of their major field of interest. Information concerning departmental offerings, policies and procedures can be found in the Department of Music Student Handbook. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for Talent Awards (scholarships) to help subsidize the cost of attendance. If you want to develop your current musical experiences or explore new musical avenues—including music business, recording techniques, etc.— we encourage you to explore this website and contact us for more information.

Our Mission

The Department of Music provides a challenging yet supportive environment to students of wide-ranging experiences and accomplishments, for the purpose of guiding and preparing them for a lifetime of musical exploration ranging from casual but informed listening to intense graduate study and musical career paths.

Department Goals

1. To foster a sense of community within the department and promote musical activities that support the wider Whittier community both on and off campus.
2. To ignite a quest for musical knowledge through the development of active learning and critical thinking skills.
3. To develop a complete understanding of the evolution and usage of the signs and symbols that constitute the musical vocabulary of a wide array of music.
4. To provide an overview and in depth study of historical considerations that include composers, forms and genres of diverse types of music.
5. To develop research techniques and refine communication skills both written and oral.
6. To nurture performance capabilities and provide performance opportunities designed to stimulate both artistic and listening skills in a live music setting.
   

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