On behalf of the Music Department, welcome to Carleton College! We encourage you to continue to develop your interest in music as part of your studies. Please be assured that many Carleton students take private lessons and/or participate in ensembles in addition to their three, 6-credit courses. For information about private lessons, ensembles, and classroom courses, please come to Music Fest on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 3:30-5:00 pm (MDRC Concert Hall). You will meet the music faculty, other students interested in music, and learn how to get involved!

You may also find information for new students interested in music by following the links below. Should you not find what you are looking for, please contact either Carole Engel, Department Administrative Assistant, or the current Student Departmental Adviser.

FAQ - Click here for answers to frequently asked questions.

Private Lessons - Click here for information on private lessons and placement auditions and interviews.

Ensemble Auditions/Placement - Click here for information on ensembles and auditions/placement for new students.

Audition Schedule - Click here for a complete schedule of auditions and placements in the music department during New Student Week and the first week of classes.

Classroom Courses - Click here to see a list of all classroom courses offered in the Music Department.  Please note that the Academic Catalog listing of courses for the upcoming year may not yet be posted.  For the up-to-date Music courses, go to the Registrar's Office Schedule of Classes/ENROLL site:  https://apps.carleton.edu/campus/registrar/schedule/.

The following courses are recommended for first-year students:

Fall Term:  Introduction to Composition (117); History of Rock (136); Global Popular Music (141); Theory I (200), Music of Africa (245). One Argument & Inquiry seminar is also offered: Degenerate Music (100).

Winter Term: Introduction to Music Technology (108); Western Art Music and Western Civilization (111); The History of Jazz (130); Golden Age of R&B (132); Theory II (201) and Baroque & Classical Music (211).

Spring Term: Music Fundamentals (101); Music & Text: Songs from Beethoven to Ben Folds (121); The History of Rock (136); Theory III (202) and Computer Music & Sound (208); CAMS Sound and Music in New Media (242); Music of India (248).

Music Major - Click here for information about the Music Major.

Music Theory Placement Exam

• Monday, Sept. 16, 8:30-9:20 am (Music Hall 103)

All students interested in taking music theory must take the placement exam given during the first meeting of Music Theory I (200).

Other Questions

If you have a question that wasn't answered here or in our FAQ, please contact Carole Engel, Department Administrative Assistant, or the current Student Departmental Adviser.