John Hopkins University

What you'll study

The programme combines core study in music theory, harmony, ear training and music history with elective pathways in performance, composition, musicology and music technology. Typical modules include Fundamentals of Music Theory, Aural Skills, Western Music History, Counterpoint and Form, Contemporary Music Analysis and courses in non-Western and popular musics. Performance students take regular private lessons and participate in chamber ensembles, orchestras, choirs or small ensemble projects; composition students workshop their pieces in seminars and collaboration with performers; students interested in research pursue topics in musicology or ethnomusicology.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary options across the university: courses in drama and theatre, film and media, computer science (for music technology), and the humanities can be combined with the music curriculum. There are regular performance opportunities in campus venues and collaborative projects with the Peabody Institute, enabling conservatory-level coaching and ensemble work alongside the liberal-arts degree.

Entry requirements

Admission to Johns Hopkins is competitive and is based on the overall academic record, strength of curriculum, recommendations and personal statement. Applicants to performance- or composition-focused pathways are typically required to submit an audition recording or a composition portfolio as part of their application; details and formats are provided by the Department of Music and the Peabody Institute where applicable. Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong preparation in music theory and performance, evidence of commitment to the discipline, and the ability to balance intensive practical work with academic study.

Career prospects

• Performer: solo, chamber or orchestral work, freelance performance and ensemble careers.
• Composer and arranger: concert composition, media scoring for film, television and games, and commercial music production.
• Music educator: school teaching, private tuition, community music programmes (many graduates pursue postgraduate teacher training or certification).
• Musicologist and researcher: postgraduate study and roles in scholarship, archives and publishing.
• Arts administration and production: roles in programming, management, fundraising and production for cultural organisations.
• Music technology and audio careers: sound engineering, audio post-production, and interactive or software-based music roles, often in collaboration with computer science or media departments.

Why study at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins offers a distinctive combination of rigorous liberal-arts training in music and close access to conservatory-level resources through the Peabody Institute, allowing students to tailor a programme that balances scholarship and practical artistry. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study makes it easy to combine music with theatre, media, engineering or humanities subjects, supporting creative cross-disciplinary projects. Located in Baltimore, students have access to a vibrant local arts scene, frequent performance opportunities and professional networks in the mid-Atlantic region. Faculty-led research, visiting artists and regular masterclasses enrich the curriculum, preparing graduates for a wide range of creative and professional pathways.