Musical performance and concert attendance is of critical importance in both the artistic and intellectual development of the student. Exposure to music of diverse stylistic and historical periods, both by participation and listening, contributes to the development of the technical and analytical skills necessary to study music in depth.

Carleton College offers a wide variety of concerts which provides students with the opportunity to hear, study and perform music of diverse genres and historical periods. The concerts given by Carleton's performing organizations — the Orchestra, Singers, Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Pro Musica, Jazz Ensemble, African Drum Ensemble, Karimba Ensemble, Mbira Ensemble, etc. — as well as guest and faculty artists in solo and chamber music recitals and a wide variety of student recitals — are an integral part of the musical life of Carleton and provide exciting performance and listening opportunities.