Harvey Mudd College

What you'll study

The music and theatre pathway available to Harvey Mudd students blends practical performance and production skills with academic study in history, theory and technology. Typical areas of study include music theory and aural skills, composition and arranging, solo and ensemble performance, music history and ethnomusicology, and music technology (recording, digital signal processing and MIDI). Theatre-focused study commonly covers acting, script analysis, directing, stagecraft (lighting, sound and scenic design), dramaturgy and stage management.

• Core musical topics: sight-reading and ear training, harmony and counterpoint, music history from western classical to popular and non-western traditions, composition and arranging.
• Performance and ensembles: chamber music, orchestra, choir, jazz combos, early music groups and solo recitals; emphasis on regular public performance and juried assessments.
• Technology and production: studio recording techniques, music software (DAWs), live sound reinforcement, basic acoustics, and interdisciplinary projects that combine code, electronics and sound design.
• Theatre practice: acting workshops, voice and movement, directing practicum, design studios (scenic, costume, lighting), and technical production labs.
• Capstone experience: a senior recital, theatrical production credit, or an interdisciplinary creative thesis that demonstrates technical skill, critical reflection and collaborative practice.
• Consortium study: students take advantage of the Claremont Colleges consortium to access specialised courses, ensembles and production facilities across Pomona, Scripps, Pitzer and Claremont McKenna Colleges.

Entry requirements

Harvey Mudd College has a holistic admission process that reviews academic preparation, intellectual curiosity and potential for contribution to the campus community. Prospective students for serious study in music or theatre should demonstrate both strong academic credentials and relevant artistic preparation.

• Academic profile: competitive secondary-school record with strength in coursework that demonstrates analytical and creative readiness (including mathematics and science in keeping with Harvey Mudd’s curriculum).
• Artistic preparation: applicants intending to concentrate in performance or production typically submit an audition or portfolio when required by the specific department or consortium programme they plan to pursue; documentation may include recorded performances, composition samples, design portfolios or a theatre résumé.
• Standard materials: application form, personal statement, teacher recommendations and any standardized testing materials the college currently requires or recommends.
• Consortium processes: because many specialised music and theatre offerings are administered through other Claremont Colleges, applicants should review audition/portfolio deadlines and requirements for those partner departments and plan to meet additional audition or interview criteria as needed.

Career prospects

Graduates combine artistic training with Harvey Mudd’s technical and analytical strengths, producing versatile candidates for a wide range of careers. Common paths include performance (solo and ensemble), composition and arranging, music production and audio engineering, sound design for theatre and film, arts administration and curation, music education, and theatre production roles such as stage manager or technical director.

• Composer, arranger or songwriter for concert, media or commercial contexts.
• Performer in orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, jazz ensembles or as solo artists.
• Audio engineer, music technologist or developer of music-related software and hardware—roles that benefit from Harvey Mudd’s STEM integration.
• Theatre practitioner: actor, director, designer, stage manager or production manager in professional, community or educational theatre.
• Arts administrator, producer or educator working in schools, non-profits, festivals or cultural organisations.
• Interdisciplinary careers combining the arts and sciences, for example in acoustics, interactive media, human–computer interaction for music or research-driven sound design.

Why study at Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd offers an environment where rigorous STEM training sits alongside serious arts practice. Students benefit from small classes, close mentorship from faculty in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts, and a campus culture that encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• Consortium access: through the Claremont Colleges, students gain access to a broader range of specialised music and theatre courses, larger ensembles and multiple performance venues.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: projects that combine programming, engineering or scientific research with composition, sound design or theatrical technology are encouraged and well supported.
• Hands-on facilities: performance spaces, rehearsal studios, recording and production labs, and technical shops enable practical learning and public presentation.
• Faculty and mentorship: close faculty supervision for senior projects and the possibility of collaborative research or creative work with peers across the consortium.