Why Study Music at K?
Engaging courses, lively ensembles, and personalized faculty mentorship make K an excellent school to be a musician.
As a music student, you will explore the world of sound and its role in social life across geography and history. Balancing theory and practice, you will become a better listener, learning the languages and histories of the craft, as well as a better creator, developing your technical and artistic ability.
You will develop these skills through courses in music theory and history (e.g., Music of World Cultures, Western Art Music Before 1750, and Jazz Explorations) and practical classes to improve your musical talents (e.g., Band Methods and Conducting). Outside of the classroom, all students—regardless of their major—are welcome to take part in private lessons and campus ensembles to further hone their musicianship and joyfully create music with fellow students. The Music Department is also a part of the wider tapestry of great music-making that goes on in the vibrant cultural life of Kalamazoo.
The creativity, self-discipline, communication, and analytic thinking skills you will develop as a music student will prepare you for professional life or to continue your education in graduate school. Our alumni work in every aspect of music—as teachers, performers, composers, editors, and technicians—and beyond.
What can you do with a music degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our music alumni.
Careers
- Music Therapist
- Audio Engineer
- Teacher
- Sound Designer
- Arts Administrator
Employers
- Sony Music Publishing
- Vicksburg Public Schools
- Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival
- Livewire Recording and Production
- Grover Gaming
Graduate Schools
- Berkee College of Music
- Bowling Green State University
- University of North Carolina
- Cambridge College
- University of Wisconsin Madison
Program Spotlights
Music is for everyone, not just majors
At K, we do not place you in “majors-only” siloes, instead, your study of music will benefit from a broad and open-minded engagement with the liberal arts. All our ensembles, lessons, and courses are open to all students regardless of their major (or majors!): we have chemists and anthropologists playing in the orchestra and biologists and poets in the jazz band.
Join the community of musicians in Kalamazoo
Located near downtown Kalamazoo, the College takes full advantage of the city’s rich music community. You will get to learn from and play with local professionals in our advanced ensembles, attend musical events hosted both on and off campus, and benefit from the College’s close connections with local music organizations, such as The Gilmore, Bach Festival, and Fontana Chamber Arts. Some of our students have even had the privilege of playing with the Kalamazoo Symphony!
Play in one of the College’s nine ensembles
Any and all students are encouraged to take advantage of the breadth of campus ensembles K has to offer.
- Kalamazoo Philharmonia (orchestra)
- The Academy Street Winds (band)
- Bach Festival Chorus (choir)
- Jazz Band (band and some strings)
- College Singers (choir)
- Lux Esto Chamber Singers (choir)
- International Percussion Ensemble (percussion)
- Bayati Ensemble (strings, woodwinds, and singers)
- Improvisation Ensemble (all instruments)
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Chelsea Paddock (she/her)
Major: Biology
Minors: Music and Spanish
Study Abroad: Madrid, Spain (short-term Fall program)
Best Adjective to Describe You: Passionate
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
Being a part of the music department has pushed me to explore new musical paths I never would’ve considered on my own. From learning new instruments, to joining unfamiliar ensembles, to learning to love a new genre of music, my involvement in the department constantly opens up new doors for me as a musician, and I am supported by some of the best instructors along the way. The faculty in the department truly are a wealth of knowledge about the music they study and are eager to share their passions with those who are ready to learn.
What drew you to the department?
Music has always been a part of my life in some way or another, since I was a little girl, so I knew before choosing K that I would want to study music in college to some extent. However, when I visited K and got to know the department a little better, that interest was only heightened. I was impressed by the plethora of unique classes, ensembles, and student organizations that the music department here has to offer, and I was warmly welcomed by any member of the staff or student body who showed me around. It is evident that every person involved in this department deeply and truly is excited about the fine arts, and I think that is something special!
What is your favorite thing about K?
One of my favorite things about K is Quadstock! I am so thrilled that this campus event has come back in recent years. It is an amazing way to show support for live music and to showcase the talent of the Kalamazoo College musicians, singers, and dancers from all corners of campus. Quadstock brings the K college community together, creating an electric atmosphere that highlights creativity, passion, and the vibrant arts culture that makes K so special.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
I will be completing a Biology SIP based on my summer internship at Cayman Chemical in Ann Arbor, MI.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After graduating from K, it is my goal to obtain a few years of workplace experience in the biotech industry before pursuing a more focused graduate program.