Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The programme balances practical musicianship, creative practice and scholarly study. Core areas typically include music theory and ear training, aural skills, music history and analysis, and applied lessons in a primary instrument or voice. Students choose from modules in composition, conducting, jazz studies, electronic music and music technology, and ethnomusicology. Ensemble participation—chamber groups, choir, orchestra, jazz and contemporary ensembles—is a central feature, and regular public performance opportunities are provided.

Students may pursue independent projects or a senior capstone that can take the form of a research thesis, a composition portfolio, a recital or a production. Cross-disciplinary options let students combine music study with theatre, digital media, computer science, anthropology or education. Practical theatre-related subjects available through joint offerings include acting, stagecraft, directing and dramaturgy, supporting students interested in musical theatre, scoring for performance, or production work.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic achievement across their secondary-school curriculum and a clear commitment to music through coursework, performance, composition or other sustained activity. Typical supporting materials include a music portfolio or audition recordings, a statement of purpose describing musical background and goals, and teacher or mentor recommendations.

For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English-language proficiency is usually required. Dartmouth evaluates applications holistically, taking into account creative accomplishments, academic preparation, and the applicant's potential to contribute to the college's musical community.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond. Common pathways include performance (solo, ensemble, orchestral, choral), composition and arranging, music education at school or tertiary level, arts administration and producing, sound design and audio engineering, and music technology roles in recording, media and game audio.

Alumni also move into adjacent fields such as theatre production, dramaturgy and stage management, or pursue further study in conservatories and graduate programmes in musicology, composition, performance or music technology. The programme's liberal-arts foundation also prepares graduates for careers in law, business, consulting and other professions where strong communication, critical thinking and project leadership are valued.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a small-college setting within an Ivy League research environment, emphasising close faculty mentoring and frequent performance opportunities. Students benefit from dedicated performance spaces and resources at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, a vibrant schedule of concerts, visiting artists and interdisciplinary collaborations, and access to recording and electronic-music facilities.

The college's residential system and active student ensembles foster a tight-knit performing community, while the liberal-arts curriculum encourages cross-department collaboration—helpful for students interested in combining music with theatre, film, computer science or anthropology. Faculty include working performers, composers and scholars, and there are routine opportunities for independent projects, internships and public-facing work that prepare students for professional artistic careers or further study.