Music Department

Empowering Musicians Through Mentorship and Community

The Department of Music at Valparaiso University offers a vibrant, collaborative space where students grow as musicians, scholars, and servant leaders. Through one-on-one mentorship, hands-on experiences, and a commitment to faith and service, students are encouraged to refine their craft, perform with purpose, and inspire through creativity.

Music department

About the Department

In our Department of Music, you can feel the strength of the community that’s built every day in music studies classes. The collaborative environment is intentionally designed to bring out the best in every music student. Music studies goes beyond just practicing your craft, it also involves service to the community, a union of faith and music, and creative inspiration.

The music department is intentionally collaborative, and students work closely with faculty mentors and fellow students. The weekly Music Colloquia, Musica Viva recitals, ensemble rehearsals, and other department activities help create an environment that is supportive of all musicians.

Targeted Degree Programs

Our music degree programs are designed for musicians of all levels and career interests. Valpo’s music alumni excel in careers from music teaching, music therapy, church music, performance, arts management, and numerous other musical professions.

To acknowledge these diverse interests, the music department offers three degree programs, as well as a music minor. The many options within these degree programs ensure that music students cultivate their own talents and interests.

Service to the Whole Community

The department welcomes students of all majors to be involved in musical life on campus. Non-majors can participate in department ensembles, studio lessons, introductory music courses, and extracurricular music groups.

Union of Music and Faith

The music department invites students to explore the biggest questions of creativity, meaning, and vocation — in the classroom and beyond. Students can pursue a concentration in church music or join the selective and extracurricular ensembles that perform in the beautiful Chapel of the Resurrection. Valparaiso University also shares a special connection to the music of Bach and his church in Germany, which students can pursue through the Bach Institute and through the Chorale’s performances of sacred works.

Rich Performance Opportunities

Valparaiso University’s music rings throughout the nation and the world. With no fewer than four choirs, three concert bands, a symphony orchestra, and a jazz band, Valpo’s ensembles give you the opportunity to perform with your peers in exciting and challenging repertoire for enthusiastic audiences.

Creative Inspiration

The department’s busy concert calendar is deliberately designed to support learning, whether students listen in the audience or perform on stage. Throughout the year, a diverse group of visiting performers and scholars present recitals, lectures, workshops, and seminars. Students regularly attend inspiring concerts to develop their listening acuity and expand their musical horizons.

Vibrant Community

The music department is highly collaborative within musical ensembles and through the weekly music colloquia.

About the department

MuSIC department

Explore the Music Department

MuSIC department

Apply to Pursue Your Degree in Music at Valparaiso University

April 12: St. John Passion

April 23–26: Jazz Festival

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Service to the Whole Campus

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of business experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

Music for non-majors

Music department

Life Through Music at Valpo

Auditions

An audition is required of all students who wish to pursue a music major or minor, and for all students seeking a music scholarship. Student may select either a virtual or on-campus audition on any of the following dates

2024-25 Audition dates