Music
At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Students major or minor in music for many reasons—interest in a career related to music may be one, but others include a passion for studying singing or playing an instrument, an outlet for creative expression, and the development of skills that are applicable to a variety of types of careers or later study.
Scripps music majors have gone on to a variety of careers in performance, teaching, composition and scoring, music scholarship, journalism, museum curation, arts administration, medicine, law, activism, engineering, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Scripps explores music as a critical form of human expression in various contexts throughout many parts of the world.
By studying this major, you’ll gain a broad perspective on musical repertories, a deeper sociocultural understanding of contemporary and historical musical practices, skills in music theory and analysis, and techniques of musical performance and composition.
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
Along with studio lessons and ensembles, we recommend that you take the following courses during your first year at Scripps:
- MUS 003 (if needed)
- MUS 066
- MUS 081
- MUS 101
- MUS 110a
- MUS 110b
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Yes, you should take courses in the following sequence: MUS 101, MUS 102, MUS 103, and/or 104.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Yes! You can combine a music major with fields in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. While the music major can involve a relatively high number of credits (from a minimum of 10 credits and a thesis or recital to some students choosing to complete 15 or more), many students have pursued double or dual majors with fields such as mathematics, history, psychology, media studies, English, biochemistry, physics, religious studies, and others.
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
The study of music at Scripps College explores music as a cultural expression of Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world. The music department also offers qualified students opportunities to perform in solo and group recitals, as well as in chamber music groups, choral ensembles, and orchestra.
Contact the Music Department Administrative Assistant, Diana Fortenly at (909) 607-3266 or [email protected] with any questions.
Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:
Additional links to information relevant for new student registration:
Music Department – Full Faculty Listing (scroll down)
Program Information
Audition Links
- Choir Auditions
- Orchestra Auditions
- Piano Auditions
- Violin and Chamber Music Auditions
- Voice Auditions
Music Performances
Extracurricular Community Activities
The Joint Music Program
The Department of Music at Scripps College and the Joint Music Program of Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges offers many opportunities for music study and performance to music majors and other interested students.
The Joint Music Program sponsors three ensembles, the Claremont Concert Orchestra, the Claremont Concert Choir, and the Claremont Treble Singers. Qualified student members from all of the Claremont Colleges are welcome to join. The liberal arts ideal of music as an integral part of the curriculum is evidenced by students receiving academic credit for participation in large music ensembles as well as for applied lessons. Working in a supportive intimate environment, students find studying music at Scripps a stimulating and productive means of personal and artistic fulfillment.
In addition to large ensemble performance courses, the Joint Music Program offers MUS 81: Introduction to Music in the Western World, a music appreciation course that focuses on classical/art music as well as other musical traditions. This course is taught by Joint Music Program faculty, and demonstrates our advocacy of interactive seminar-style teaching.
Contact the Joint Music Program Coordinator Gregory Jackson at (909) 607-3267 or [email protected] with any questions.
Music Scholarships
Scripps College aims to attract and enroll exceptional students, regardless of their financial status. Several Scripps music scholarships (partial) such as the Yuki Aoki Music Scholarship and the Alice Shapiro, Ruth Epstein, Jacqua/Hardin, and Pattison/McDowell/Pruessing Memorial Scholarships are granted to Scripps College music students who have demonstrated excellence in the program.