Pursue your passion and elevate your repertoire by studying music within a broader liberal arts education
When you study music in the center of Washington, D.C., and develop your artistry, performance and scholarship with world-renowned faculty, practicing performers, and esteemed composers, you are prepared to succeed after graduation. Whether majoring or minoring, Corcoran students work closely with celebrated musicians and have performance opportunities in the city, ranging from solo shows to ensembles. Our students gain a breadth of instruction in a curriculum that specializes in both theory and practice.
Our faculty of scholars and creative artists includes members of the National Symphony and Kennedy Center orchestras. Students perform with vocal and instrumental jazz groups, orchestra, choruses, bands, opera productions, chamber music groups, and musical theatre.
Major
The degree lays a strong foundation for advanced music study in graduate school and entry into a variety of music-related professions.
By the end of their music major study, students should be able to:
Show and use practical musicianship skills in activities such as vocal or instrumental sight reading; independent learning of pre-existent or new compositions; and stylistic, analytical, or interpretive discussion.
Write and speak fluently and cogently on a wide range of musical topics in formal and impromptu settings.
Demonstrate intelligibility, craft, informed expression, and a commitment to independent inquiry in creating or performing music.
Knowledgeably situate their own musical activities within a culturally, aesthetically, and intellectually pluralistic community in the program and the larger musical world.