The Department of Music provides a creative environment for the study and performance of music with a global perspective, and encourages students to develop skills, expand knowledge, and contribute actively to society as artists and citizens.

We offer a diverse curriculum that engages students in historical and cultural study, as well as analysis, creation, and performance of music.

Our emphasis on global perspective and experiential learning provides opportunities for each student to explore and develop their own musical passions, and to collaborate with peers and faculty in many ways, including through interdisciplinary work, ensemble participation, and independent projects.

All Music Department courses, ensembles, lessons, and other activities are equally available to nonmajors and majors alike. The curriculum for music majors offers a balance between thoroughness and flexibility, offering each student a chance to develop areas of strength in the context of a broad liberal arts education.

A wide range of lessons are available—including piano, voice, and most orchestral instruments.

Students walking to and from the MAC.

Our Facilities

The MAC

The 100,000-square-foot Kevin P. Mahaney ’84 Center for the Arts, known as the MAC, is a hub of arts activity on campus. It’s also home to the Music Department and includes practice rooms, lockers, an electronic music studio, and a 372-seat concert hall.

Explore the MAC

Music Collection

Our extensive collection, located in the Davis Family Library, contains reference, CD, book, video, and score collections in the field of music and dance. 

Our Music Collection

Chapel Organ and Carillon

The Middlebury Chapel houses a large pipe organ that was constructed by the Gress-Miles Organ Company in 1971, as well as a carillon, assembled in 1915 and enhanced over the years. Both are played regularly and enjoyed throughout the campus.

Chapel Instruments

Upcoming Events

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  • Members of the quartet standing on stage with their instruments

    MICA Quartet: Rondo through the Ages

    The Middlebury College Music Department proudly presents the debut performance of the MICA string quartet, with performers Marco Matroni ‘25, Isaac Xie ‘24, Amelia Grosskopf ‘24, and Chelsea Robinson ‘26. The hour-long concert will explore stylistic transformation across string quartet works spanning the 18th-20th centuries, featuring works by Scarlatti, Haydn, Schubert, Smetana, Debussy, and Bartok, as well as original solo viola interludes that stylistically bridge the works together in rondo form. Senior project of Amelia Grosskopf ’24.

    Mahaney Arts Center, Olin C. Robison Concert Hall

    Open to the Public

    Free

  • close up of a piano keyboard

    Piano Recital by Students of Diana Fanning

    The spring concert by Diana Fanning’s students has always been a popular event celebrating our talented Middlebury pianists.  This year’s program features Judy Chen, Adam Gips, Greg Marcinik, and Peter Shellhaas playing works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy,  MacDowell and Mozart. Sponsored by the Department of Music.  Free

    Mahaney Arts Center, Olin C. Robison Concert Hall

    Open to the Public

  • abstract collage of instruments

    Music Department Student Showcase

    An evening in MAC to showcase the work of music department ensembles, classes, and student bands. Refreshments provided!

    Mahaney Arts Center Upper Lobby

    Open to the Public

    Free

Meet with Faculty

Office Hours

Explore the Major

Majoring in Music

Find Forms and Info

Student Resources

Explore Lessons

Private Lessons