Visual and Performing Arts Programs

Where Creativity Meets Purpose

At Goshen, you’ll paint, design, compose, and take the stage for real audiences, in your first semester.

Create alongside working artists: In the studio or on stage, you’ll collaborate directly with faculty who are accomplished performers, artists and scholars.
Your work meets a real audience: From solo recitals and full ensembles to gallery exhibitions, public art installations and main stage productions, you get to share your specialized craft.
Take your craft into the world: Immersive courses like Arts in London and internships carry your work far beyond campus. Whether you’re headed for the stage, the studio, the classroom or a creative career all your own, you’ll graduate with a body of original work in addition to an experience of the world.

6
ensembles: Chamber Choir, Voices of the Earth, Vox Profundi, Orchestra, Lavender Jazz and Steel drum ensemble
2
rotating galleries of original art showcased all year round
1 in 5
traditional undergraduates participate in music ensembles

Art
Uncover your unique visual voice through hands-on studio mastery.
Graphic Design
Transform bold ideas into high-impact visual media.
Music
Hone your musical talent with rigorous performance and composition training.
Music for Social Change (Minor)
Harness the power of sound to drive community transformation.
Music in Worship (Minor)
Integrate artistic excellence with sacred leadership and spiritual direction.
Theater
Bring stories to life in a collaborative, stage-centered environment.
Musical Theater (Minor)
Fuse acting, vocal performance and movement into dynamic storytelling.

The best part about Goshen College’s arts departments is how interconnected they are. Professors encourage students to express themselves artistically in every way they can, whether it be singing in choir or making a piece in ceramics. At Goshen College, you can do it all and your professors will support and encourage you through every moment. The art departments promote a positive student environment for you to learn and fail, and inevitably try again.

Fatima Rhana '25
Theater and Music Double Major

For musicians: Perform in Sauder Concert Hall, known for its world-class acoustics, and in Rieth Recital Hall with its Steinway D concert grand. Access rehearsal studios and recording & technology labs in the Goshen College Music Center.
For actors, directors and designers: Train in the Umble Center, a 419-seat theater with flexible stage, a full lighting and sound system, a costume shop, a scene shop, rehearsal spaces, and classrooms that support every production.

Immediate mainstage and studio access: Step into early roles by auditioning for mainstage productions, exhibiting in our galleries, or singing with long-standing, historic ensembles like Voices of the Earth starting your very first semester.
Be part of global voices: Connect your craft to global perspectives through international music tours, immersive cultural study and collaborative performances that carry your work beyond campus. Learn more about different ensembles here.
Built for the multi-faceted artist: Sharpen your exact focus across specialized majors and unique minors like music for social change, music in worship and graphic design, which are crafted to elevate your distinct creative voice

Arts in London: Spend a May term exploring one of the world’s greatest cultural capitals. You’ll attend world-class theater productions, visit renowned museums and hear legendary orchestras.
National Tours and Festivals: Our premier music ensembles regularly tour nationally and internationally, performing in historic venues and collaborating with diverse communities. Such venues include:
- Spain & Portugal: Church of San Millán and San Cayetano (Madrid) Batalha Monastery (Batalha, UNESCO World Heritage site).
Creative Internships: Gain professional experience working with graphic design firms, recording studios, community arts organizations and professional theater companies before you graduate.

One application opens the door to every visual and performing arts program at Goshen College.