Skip to Main Content

(staging) Music for Social Change

Concentration

Music as a Force for Change

Use music to make a difference in individuals, communities, and the world.

Music for Social Change is a concentration within the music major that combines music education, social justice, and hands-on learning. You learn how music can transform lives and prepare for meaningful work in education, advocacy, and community development.

Inspired by El Sistema and similar international movements, this concentration is for students who believe in music as a tool for equity and healing. If you picture yourself leading community music programs, teaching in underserved schools, or launching your own initiative, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and experience to make an impact.

  • 91%
    Of classes have fewer than 30 students, so faculty know you by name.
  • 93%
    Of graduates are employed, in grad school, or in service within a year.
  • 19%
    Of traditional undergraduates take part in music ensembles.

    What You’ll Study

    • Core Music Coursework

      The concentration is part of the music major, so you complete core music coursework alongside the concentration’s specialized courses.

    • Courses in Music & Social Change

      Take classes like Seminar in Music for Social Change, Psychology of Music, and Arts and Community Engagement. Additionally fieldwork in social change, education, and community engagement.

    • Capstone or Internship

      Finish with a capstone project or internship that reflects your own interests and goals in music and social impact.

      • placeholder

        Name 'Year

        Company/Title

      Real-World Experience at the Center

      Hands-on work is central to this concentration. With this concentration you’ll take field placements in local music education and community organizations, as well as work with youth in after-school programs, complete teaching residencies and mentorship with local artists. You will also take part in campus and community performance projects.

      Along the way you’ll study models like El Sistema and Musicambia, programs that use music to transform lives, and you’ll do this in a community that welcomes students of every background. Performances and rehearsals happen in spaces like Sauder Concert Hall and Rieth Recital Hall.

      Common Questions About The Music for Social Change Concentration

      Meet the Faculty

      All Faculty

        Ready to get started?

        More majors & minors

        All Majors & Minors
        • (staging) Musical Theater

          Find Your Voice on Stage Merge acting, music, and movement into one collaborative art form, whatever your experience is. The Musical Theater Minor at Goshen College brings together acting, music, and movement in one dynamic, collaborative art form. Lifelong performers…

        • Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies

          As a Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies major at Goshen College, you'll delve into the complexities of conflict and the pathways to peace.

        • (Staging) Public Health

          Why Study Public Health at Goshen College? You’ll study why whole communities get sick or stay well, and you’ll do real fieldwork before you graduate. Public health at Goshen College is a major that prepares you for work in epidemiology,…

        • Special Education – Elementary

          If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and creating inclusive, engaging classrooms, Goshen College’s elementary education program is the perfect place to start your journey.

        • Women’s and Gender Studies

          As a Women’s and Gender Studies minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore how gender and identity shape our lives, cultures, and institutions

        • Theological Studies and Christian Ministries

          If you feel called to ministry or want to deepen your understanding of Christian theology and service, the Theological Studies and Christian Ministries minor at Goshen College offers a transformative path.

        • Conflict Transformation

          As a conflict transformation studies major at Goshen College — a place known for its peace witness and global engagement — you’ll learn how to respond to conflict with insight, compassion and practical tools.

        • Psychology

          Our small class sizes and hands-on learning approach ensure that you won’t just study psychology—you’ll apply it. You’ll have opportunities to conduct original research, present at conferences and complete internships that build your resume and connect classroom learning to real-world settings.

        • (Staging) Theological Studies and Christian Ministries

          Read the Texts, Ask the Hard Questions Theology here means asking hard questions, not memorizing easy ones. The Theological Studies and Christian Ministries minor at Goshen College centers on four areas. Specifically, you study biblical texts, theology, Christian ethics, and…

        • Multimedia Communication

          As a multimedia communication major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the practical skills and creative experience to become a compelling storyteller across platforms—from journalism and video production to social media and strategic communication.

        • Sports Management

          As a sport management major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience to excel in the fast-paced world of sports.

        • Spanish

          As a Spanish major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll learn to communicate confidently and effectively in one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

        • (Staging) Pre-Medicine

          What Is the Pre-Medicine Study Track? You came to find out one thing: does this path actually get you into medical school? Goshen College’s pre-medicine study track is a pre-professional advising track, not a separate major, that pairs a science…

        • Protected: (Staging) Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies

          A tradition worth studying, not just inheriting Treat the Anabaptist-Mennonite story as a subject of real intellectual weight: its history, its ethics, and its reach across the world. The Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies Minor at Goshen College is open to students in…

        • Public Health

          Whether you plan to work in community health, epidemiology or health policy—or pursue graduate study in public health, medicine or healthcare administration—being a public health major or minor at Goshen College will prepare you to make a meaningful impact.

        • Business

          Whether your interest is in marketing, finance, management or entrepreneurship, our program is designed to equip you with the skills and real-world experiences to thrive in today’s dynamic global economy.

        • Sociology

          As a sociology major at Goshen College, you’ll investigate the forces that influence human behavior, identity, and inequality—and learn how to be a force for justice and social transformation.

        • History Pre-Law

          While pre-law is not a major, it is a carefully guided academic track that pairs well with majors like history, political studies, peace and justice, business, English and more.

        • Musical Theater

          As a musical theater minor at Goshen College, you’ll merge your passion for acting, music, and movement into a dynamic and collaborative art form.

        • Pre-Dentistry

          At Goshen College, pre-dentistry students receive an education rooted in scientific excellence, community values and hands-on learning.

        • Environmental & Marine Science

          From Indiana wetlands to coral reefs in the Florida Keys, you’ll build the knowledge and skills to tackle today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

        • Sustainability

          As a sustainability studies major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore what it means to live responsibly—caring for the Earth and its people now and for generations to come.

        • Chemistry

          As a chemistry major at Goshen College, you'll build a strong scientific foundation while exploring how chemistry can change the world—whether you're interested in developing life-saving medications, designing sustainable materials, or inspiring future scientists.

        • (Staging) Global Studies

          A Global Lens on Any Major Add intercultural understanding and a justice-minded view of the wider world to whatever you’re already studying. The Global Studies Minor at Goshen College adds a global, intercultural lens to any major, blending global systems,…

        • Pre-Physical Therapy

          If you're considering a career in physical therapy, Goshen College provides a rigorous, hands-on pathway that prepares you for advanced study in this high-demand health field.

        • (Staging) Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies

          Understand Conflict. Build Peace. A rigorous, interdisciplinary major for students who want to confront injustice and change it. Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies (PJCS) examines the complexities of conflict and the pathways to peace. This degree is rooted in a…

        • Physical Education

          As a physical education major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the skills to promote health, movement and lifelong wellness in ways that truly matter.

        • Peace and Justice Studies

          As a Peace and Justice Studies minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore how people and communities work to resolve conflict, promote justice and build more peaceful societies.

        • Physics

          As a Physics major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore the inner workings of the universe—from the tiniest particles to the vastness of space.

        • Film Production

          As a film production major, you’ll explore every aspect of filmmaking—from directing and producing to editing and sound design—while building the technical skills and creative vision to make your mark in the industry.

        • (Staging) Physics

          Understand How the Universe Works, and Build a Future With It Learn the laws of nature and the analytical skills employers and grad schools want. As a Physics major in Goshen College you’ll explore the inner workings of the universe.…

        • (Staging) Pre-Dentistry

          A Clear Path to Dental School Build the science foundation and the application that dental schools want to see. Pre-dentistry at Goshen College is an advising track, not a separate major, that pairs a science major such as biology or…

        • (Staging) Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

          Why Study Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Goshen? You do real chemistry and lab work early, so you graduate with the proof med schools, grad programs, and employers look for. The Molecular Biology and Biochemistry program at Goshen College studies…

        • Pre-Medicine

          With a rigorous academic foundation, extensive hands-on learning opportunities and supportive faculty mentors, our program is designed to prepare you for the academic and personal demands of medical school.

        • (Staging) Interdisciplinary Studies

          Design the Major That Fits You If your goals take more than just what one major provides. The Interdisciplinary Studies major at Goshen College is a Bachelor of Arts you design yourself, combining coursework from at least two academic disciplines…

        • (Staging) Environmental & Marine Science

          Study on Land and Under the Sea You’ll learn to be a scientist out in the field, not just in the classroom. Environmental and Marine Science at Goshen College studies Earth’s ecosystems on land and under the sea, combining biology,…

        • Engineering Physics

          Whether your goal is to work in engineering design, research or continue into graduate school, you’ll graduate equipped with strong analytical skills and a foundation in both physics and engineering.

        • Marketing

          Whether you’re preparing for a career in business, communications, entrepreneurship, or the arts, marketing will give you a valuable toolkit for success in any industry.

        • Interdisciplinary Studies

          As an Interdisciplinary Studies major at Goshen College, you’ll have the freedom to chart your own academic path by combining courses from multiple fields to match your unique interests and career goals.

        • Sign Language Interpreting

          Goshen College offers one of the few four-year bachelor’s degree programs in sign language interpreting in the region. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world experiences and a strong foundation in ethics and communication.

        • History

          At Goshen College, studying history isn’t about memorizing names and dates; it’s about uncovering the stories that define cultures, movements, and everyday people, and learning to interpret them with empathy and precision.

        • Biology

          If you’re curious about the natural world, Goshen College is the place to turn that curiosity into discovery. Here, you won’t just study biology—you’ll experience it firsthand.

        • Pre-Pharmacy

          Whether you plan to become a clinical pharmacist, work in pharmaceutical research, or manage a community pharmacy, GC prepares you for the next step with relevant coursework, hands-on learning and mentoring from faculty who care about your success.

        • (Staging) Conflict Transformation

          What the Conflict Transformation Studies Minor Is Conflict surfaces in every profession. This minor equips you with the skills to navigate it productively. The Conflict Transformation Studies Minor at Goshen College is an undergraduate minor in the Peace, Justice, and…

        • Broadcasting

          In our award-winning broadcasting program, you’ll jump into hands-on experiences from your very first year—opportunities that students at larger schools often wait years to get.

        • Global Studies

          As a global studies major at Goshen College, you’ll prepare for a life shaped by global citizenship, intercultural understanding and servant leadership.

        • (Staging) Pre-Veterinary

          Why Study Pre-Veterinary at Goshen College? You came to find one thing out: does this study track actually get you ready for vet school? Goshen College’s pre-veterinary study track is a advising path you follow alongside a science major in…

        • (Staging) Pre-Pharmacy

          Build a Pharmacy School Application That Holds Up You came to find one thing out: does this study track actually get you ready for pharmacy school? Goshen College’s pre-pharmacy study track is a pre-professional advising path you follow alongside a…

        • (Staging) Mathematics

          Why study mathematics at Goshen College? Learn to solve real problems here, in classes small enough that your professors know your name. The Mathematics major at Goshen College is a four-year bachelor’s degree that builds your problem-solving, modeling, and analysis…

        • (Staging) Theater

          Create Performances with Purpose You make theater here from day one, and you make it matter. Goshen College’s Theater program trains you in acting, directing, design, stage management, and dramaturgy through full-scale productions. You gain hands-on experience from your very…

        • Journalism

          As a journalism student at Goshen College, you’ll develop the writing, research, and multimedia storytelling skills needed to pursue truth and share compelling stories with the world.

        • Art

          The visual and fine arts attract creative individuals who strive to carve out their own niche. At Goshen College, the art major and minor offers a variety of concentrations tailored to different artistic passions and career paths.

        • Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

          Whether you’re interested in medicine, research, biotechnology, or genetics, this program gives you the scientific foundation and hands-on experience to pursue your goals with confidence.

        • Information Technology

          As an information technology major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll develop the skills to design, implement, and manage computer systems that drive business, communication, and innovation.

        • Exercise Science

          Whether you aspire to be a physical therapist, athletic trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or another fitness professional, this program provides the foundation you need to succeed.

        • (Staging) English

          Read Widely, Write With Purpose The habits of reading deeply and writing well open doors far beyond the page. In the English program at Goshen College, you read great literature, craft compelling stories, and sharpen the critical thinking that carries…

        • Mathematics

          Mathematics is more than numbers—it’s a way of thinking critically and creatively that prepares you for diverse careers in science, education, business, technology and beyond.

        • Political Studies

          Whether you’re interested in law, government, education, advocacy or nonprofit leadership, this program equips you with the critical thinking and communication skills to lead with insight and purpose.

        • Graphic Design

          As a graphic design major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll develop the artistic and technical skills to communicate ideas visually in a wide range of media.

        • (Staging) Chemistry

          A Chemistry Major that pays off You will use professional-grade instruments in your first semester and finish ready for the next step, whether that is med school, grad school, or a paycheck. The Chemistry major at Goshen College is a…

        • English

          At Goshen College, you’ll immerse yourself in the power of language—reading great literature, crafting compelling stories, and sharpening your writing and critical thinking skills.

        • Religion

          Goshen College’s Bible and Religion program is for those who feel called to explore faith more deeply, understand the church’s story, and apply their convictions in meaningful, real-world ways.

        • Game Development

          At Goshen College, you can explore the fast-growing world of game development through a flexible, interdisciplinary minor that blends technology, storytelling and visual design.

        • (Staging) Nursing

          Become a Nurse Where You’re Already at Home Indiana’s oldest BSN, built to help you afford it, finish it, and belong. Nursing at Goshen College is the oldest BSN program in Indiana. It’s also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate…

        • (staging) Art

          Where Does an Art Major Actually Take You? Behind the potter’s wheel, behind the welding mask, into a classroom, and onto the wall of your own senior exhibition. The Art major at Goshen College is a four-year bachelor’s degree that…

        • Disability Studies

          This interdisciplinary program equips you to understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities and examine how societies define and respond to difference.

        • Communication

          Whether your passion lies in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, digital media, or film, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and opportunities to succeed in a fast-evolving media and communication landscape.

        • Accounting

          Earn an Accounting degree at Goshen College and prepare for CPA success, internships and careers with leading accounting firms

        • (Staging) Biology

          Study Biology by Doing It Here you do biology: track elephants in Kenya, band birds in Indiana, and analyze viruses in a working lab. The biology major at Goshen College builds a strong foundation in the scientific method and natural…

        • Theater

          At Goshen College, your journey as a theater major or minor immerses you in a vibrant, collaborative community where your creativity and voice are celebrated.

        • Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies

          Explore the Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies minor at Goshen College and study faith, history and global Anabaptist traditions.

        • Staging new-Social Work

          Help People, and Change the Systems Around Them Learn to walk with individuals and families, and to confront the causes of injustice. Social Work at Goshen College is a professional four-year bachelor’s degree that prepares you to work with individuals,…

        • Undecided

          Choosing to be undecided means being intentional about finding a path that’s right for you.

        • Music in Worship

          This interdisciplinary program weaves together musical excellence, theological insight, and spiritual formation to prepare you to lead worship in churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations.

        • (Staging) Engineering Physics

          Two Majors, One Engineering Career Start at a small college that knows your name, and finish as an engineer with two degrees. Engineering Physics at Goshen College is built on the 3-2 engineering program: you study three years at Goshen…

        • Pre-Veterinary

          Through our pre-veterinary track, you'll receive excellent preparation for veterinary school while building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and animal science.

        • Nursing

          As a nursing major at Goshen College, you'll study in new state-of-the-art facilities and join a program with a rich history of excellence.

        • (staging) Graphic Design

          Design for the Real World You’ll leave with a portfolio that proves what you can do, not just a transcript that says you studied it. The Graphic Design major at Goshen College is a four-year bachelor’s degree, also offered as…

        • (Staging) Peace and Justice Studies

          Think Hard About Justice, Then Act on It Add the tools to confront injustice and build peace. The Peace and Justice Studies Minor examines how people and communities resolve conflict, promote justice, and build more peaceful societies. As a result,…

        • Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice

          In the criminal justice and restorative justice program, you learn to address crime, harm, and injustice in ways that go beyond punishment—focusing instead on healing, accountability, and systemic change.

        • Deaf Studies

          With a Deaf studies degree, you’ll be equipped to work at the intersection of language, access, and advocacy in diverse fields.

        • Entrepreneurship

          As an entrepreneurship minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to turn your ideas into action.

        • Music

          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.

        • Computer Science

          At Goshen College, you won’t just study computer science—you’ll learn how to think like a problem-solver, create like an innovator, and code with purpose.

        • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

          As a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the skills and cultural understanding needed to support English language learners in classrooms and communities, both locally and globally.

        • Music for Social Change

          As a music major with a concentration in Music for Social Change at Goshen College, you’ll learn how music can be a powerful force for transformation—in individuals, communities, and the world.

        • (staging) Music in Worship

          Where Music and Faith Meet Grow as a musician and a leader while you explore how music shapes faith and builds community. The Music in Worship Minor at Goshen College explores how music shapes faith. It also builds community and…

        • Education: Secondary and All-Grade

          Our nationally accredited program blends subject-specific expertise with hands-on classroom experiences and inclusive teaching strategies, preparing you to make an impact in diverse school environments.

        • Social Work

          As a social work major at Goshen College, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding to work in a variety of settings—from schools and hospitals to community organizations and government agencies.

        • Writing

          As a writing major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll hone your voice and develop the confidence to write with purpose, clarity, and creativity.

        • (Staging) Religion

          Faith Seeking Understanding Study the biggest questions rigorously, and put what you learn to work in the world. Goshen College’s Bible and religion major takes faith seriously, guided by the motto ”faith seeking understanding,” it blends rigorous academic work with…

        • Education – Elementary

          If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and creating inclusive, engaging classrooms, Goshen College’s elementary education program is the perfect place to start your journey.