The College of Wooster

What you'll study

The Music programme at The College of Wooster blends core work in music theory, history and aural skills with practical study in performance, composition and applied pedagogy. Students take sequential coursework in music theory and ear training, survey courses in western music history, and electives that explore ethnomusicology, jazz studies, digital media and music technology.

Performance is central: applied lessons on primary and secondary instruments or voice are available, and students participate in a range of ensembles such as choir, chamber ensembles, instrumental ensembles, jazz band and opera/theatre productions. Composition students work with faculty on portfolio development and may have opportunities for premieres in recital or ensemble settings. Technology offerings typically include notation software, recording techniques and basic electronic music tools.

A distinctive feature of study at Wooster is the Senior Independent Study (SIS): music majors undertake an extended, faculty-mentored project in performance, composition, pedagogy or research. Projects culminate in a public recital, composition premiere, or a written thesis with an accompanying performance component.

Typical modules and experiences

• Music Theory I–IV and Aural Skills sequence
• History of Western Music I–II or equivalent music history surveys
• Applied lessons (voice or instrumental) and jury examinations
• Ensemble participation (choral, chamber, jazz, orchestral, musical theatre)
• Composition and arranging workshops
• Music technology and recording/production courses
• Electives such as ethnomusicology, popular music studies, pedagogy and conducting
• Senior Independent Study (recital, composition portfolio, or research thesis)

Entry requirements

Applicants to The College of Wooster typically present a strong secondary-school record with coursework that demonstrates musical preparation where possible. Prospective music majors are asked to submit or prepare for an audition or portfolio that highlights performance ability, compositional work, or academic writing in music. Auditions may be video submissions or live, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Supporting materials usually include school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Incoming students may be placed into theory and skills courses based on placement tests or prior coursework; those without formal training should expect preparatory coursework to build core skills.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Music from The College of Wooster go on to a wide range of careers that draw on performance, teaching, research and administrative skills. Common paths include:

• Performance careers as soloists, ensemble musicians, choral singers or musical theatre performers
• Music education at school and community levels (often followed by state certification or postgraduate training where required)
• Composition and arranging work for ensembles, media, theatre and film
• Arts administration, producing, programming and community engagement roles in cultural organisations
• Further academic study in musicology, ethnomusicology, composition or performance at conservatoires or graduate schools
• Related careers such as music production, sound engineering, music publishing, and music therapy (the latter typically requiring specialised additional qualifications)

Why study at The College of Wooster

Studying music at The College of Wooster offers the benefits of close faculty mentorship within a liberal-arts environment. Small class sizes and individual lessons allow for tailored instruction, while a rich ensemble programme and regular performance opportunities give practical experience. The College’s emphasis on independent scholarship culminates in the Senior Independent Study, preparing students for professional performance, creative work or graduate study.

Located in a community that values the arts, the department collaborates with local organisations and presents public concerts and theatre productions that give students real-world experience in performance, production and arts leadership. The combination of broad academic training, hands-on practice and a capstone project makes the programme suitable for students seeking both creative development and intellectual breadth.