Music
“No matter which continent is chosen, the experience abroad can enrich a student’s musical and cultural consciousness.”
—Dr. Susan Pickett, Catharine Gould Chism Endowed Chair of Music, Emerita
Study abroad can help Music students:
- Improve and acquire foreign language skills
- Gain awareness of the major discipline from a different scholarly tradition
- Develop primary research skills from field studies or work with primary sources
- Hear great music performed in wonderful venues in the cultural context in which they were produced
- Develop a global perspective
- Gain exposure to native musical traditions and instruments
How does a semester or year of study abroad help students in Music prepare for graduate school or various career opportunities?
- It primarily helps students acquire foreign language skills, which are required for graduate work in music
- Heightens awareness of music’s role in different social and cultural contexts
As a general rule of thumb, the Music Department recommends the following for students who wish to study abroad:
- First-year students should take both the required MUS 126 Music Theoryand MUS 127 Aural Skills I in their first year.
Which requirements can Music majors fulfill while studying abroad?
- Elective major credit
- Music history and theory courses as approved by your Major Advisor
- Research that can be used for the senior thesis
- General Studies distribution credit
- General degree credit
Major Credit Limitations
- The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Music major from off-campus studies (including AP credit, IB credit and credits from other U.S. institutions) is 12 credits with the approval of your Major Advisor.
Minor Credit Limitations
- A minimum of three-fifths of the specific course and credit requirements for the minor must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.
What are the types of study abroad programs recommended by the Music Department?
- Direct enrollment in a foreign university with host-country students
- Conservatory-style programs with U.S. and/or local students
- Programs that offer private lessons, study with local musicians and opportunities to perform with local ensembles
- Programs that offer access to archives for senior research
- For students interested in ethnomusicology, field-based programs provide an opportunity to do field work and conduct interviews with local musicians
Which partner programs are recommended by the Music Department?
- IES: Amsterdam Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- IES: Vienna Music (Austria)
- IES: Milan Music Tradition & Innovation (Italy)
- Other partner programs as deemed appropriate by the student’s Major Advisor
Students interested in studying abroad should attend a Study Abroad First Steps meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their Major Advisor, and schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor.
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992