The School of Music is uniquely positioned to prepare students for professional careers in music and support non-majors interested in continuing their study. Puget Sound is one of the few liberal arts colleges in the country with a conservatory-style School of Music. Our active faculty of artist-teachers, scholars, and creative professionals work together to train the whole musician—to help students achieve and excellence in both performance and musical understanding.
Through Bachelor of Music degrees (in performance, composition, music education, and with elective studies in business) and Bachelor of Arts degrees, students gain the skills and experience to go on to the finest graduate schools or pursue careers in performance, teaching, scholarship, music business, or other music-related fields. Nine choral and instrumental ensembles, multiple chamber groups, stage productions, and numerous music clubs offer many opportunities to perform. Even if you choose to major in another subject, double major, or minor in music, there are rich possibilities for continued musical study and performance here in our School of Music.
Performance Venues
Puget Sound musicians perform in various spaces across campus, including 500-seat Schneebeck Concert Hall, Kilworth Memorial Chapel, Norton Clapp Theatre, and more.
School of Music Faculty
Faculty members in the School of Music form a network of acclaimed performers and scholars. In addition to regional and national work as soloists, conductors, and chamber musicians, they perform in the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, Portland Symphonic Choir, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, Tacoma Concert Band, and other Northwest ensembles.
Community Music Department
A year-round music program offering lifelong learning to music lovers of all ages and levels, community music offers members of the community programs such as group piano classes, Suzuki instruction, musical theater, summer workshops, and more.
Ensemble Tours and Performances
Adelphian Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra travel regionally and nationally during their four years at Puget Sound to perform at high schools, churches, and invitational music conferences.
Festivals and Workshops
High school students are invited to campus to study and perform with School of Music faculty members and guest artists through several annual music festivals and workshops, including Northwest Honor Choir Festival and Conductors Institute.
Guest Artists and Master Classes
Puget Sound often hosts exceptional guest artists who, in addition to meeting with students and performing groups, offer master classes for campus members and the community. Recent master classes have featured Gregory J.S. Walker, composer and violinist; Gail Williams, horn; and Derek Brown, saxophone.
Jacobsen Series
Named in honor of Leonard Jacobsen, former chair of the piano department at Puget Sound, the Jacobsen Series was established in 1984. Season subscribers and ticket sales support the Jacobsen Series Scholarship Fund, which awards annual music scholarships to an outstanding member of Sigma Alpha Iota, women's music fraternity.
Opera Theater and Musicals
Music students perform operas or staged scenes from operas each year and periodically collaborate with the Department of Theater Arts on musical productions open to the campus and community.
Student Recitals and Noon Recitals
Students majoring or minoring in music are required to plan and perform recitals, many of which are free and open to the community.