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Music

Major | Minor

Why Study Music at Goshen College?

As a music major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll be part of a vibrant, collaborative community where music is both a personal passion and a shared expression. Whether your goals are to perform, teach, compose, or work in music-related industries, our program offers you rigorous training, real-world experience, and opportunities to grow your talents in a supportive environment.

You’ll study with passionate faculty who are also accomplished performers and scholars. From classical to contemporary styles, from solo recitals to full ensembles, you’ll build the skills, creativity, and confidence to pursue a meaningful career in music—or simply continue your love of music for life.

  • 91%
    of classes have fewer than 30 students
  • 93%
    of graduates are employed, in grad school, or in service within a year
  • 19%
    of traditional undergraduates participate in music ensembles

    Career Paths

    Music graduates from Goshen College go on to rewarding careers as:

    • Music educators
    • Performers and composers
    • Church music directors
    • Conductors
    • Arts administrators
    • Music therapists
    • Studio teachers
    • Recording and audio engineers

    Our alumni teach in public and private schools, perform in regional and national ensembles, and pursue graduate degrees in music education, performance, conducting, and more.

    Music Ensembles

    Music is a huge part of campus culture. Goshen College’s music ensembles are open by audition to all GC students, regardless of major, and students are encouraged to participate.

    Our ensembles include:

    • Chamber Choir (mixed voice chorus)
    • Vox Profundi (low voice chorus)
    • Voices of the Earth (high voice chorus)
    • Symphony Orchestra
    • Lavender Jazz

    Credits and Requirements

    Goshen College offers a music major and minor with multiple specialized tracks, including:

    • Music Education (K-12 Licensure)
    • Music Performance
    • Music for Social Change
    • General Music

    Additional minors include Musical Theater and Church Music.

    Hands-On Learning Opportunities

    Our facilities include:

    • Sauder Concert Hall, known for its world-class acoustics
    • Rieth Recital Hall with a Steinway D concert grand piano
    • Practice rooms and faculty studios
    • Recording and technology labs
    • Dedicated spaces for jazz, orchestral, choral, and contemporary music

    Scholarships

    Students interested in a music major or minor are eligible for Music Achievement Awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 annually. Ensemble Grants of $1,000 annually are also available for students not planning to major or minor in music. All instruments and voice parts are encouraged to apply.

    Facilities & Resources

    Our facilities include:

    • Sauder Concert Hall, known for its world-class acoustics
    • Rieth Recital Hall with a Steinway D concert grand piano
    • Practice rooms and faculty studios
    • Recording and technology labs
    • Dedicated spaces for jazz, orchestral, choral, and contemporary music

      Interested in becoming a Music educator?

      Pair your Music major with Goshen’s All-Grade (P–12) education track and earn your Indiana teaching license alongside your music degree.

      Ready to get started?

      Related majors & minors

      All Majors & Minors
      • Art

        Studio concentrations across ceramics, painting and design shape Goshen College's art major, taught by faculty who are practicing working artists.

      • Musical Theater

        Merge acting, music and movement in Goshen College's musical theater minor, building vocal and performance skills through full-scale campus productions.

      • Theater

        The theater major at Goshen College spans acting, directing, design and stage management, with students doing production work from their first year.

      • Music for Social Change

        Combine music education with social justice in Goshen College's Music for Social Change concentration, preparing you to lead community music programs.

      • Graphic Design

        Branding, motion graphics and UI design fill out Goshen College's graphic design major, with a portfolio guided by practicing faculty designers.