What Academic Programs Does the Stanford Department of Music Offer?

Updated

The Stanford Department of Music offers an undergraduate major and minor, with coursework spanning composition, conducting, performance, music history, ethnomusicology, music theory, cognitive science, intermedia, and computer-based technologies. If you are planning a course of study, the department's site is organized around four main entry points: the major and minor, lessons, and ensembles. The site does not publish degree requirements directly on the homepage, so you will need to follow the "Explore the Minor & Major" link for specifics.

Program areas

The department describes itself as bringing together music-making and scholarly research. Its stated areas of study are:

  • Composition
  • Conducting
  • Performance
  • Music history
  • Ethnomusicology
  • Music theory
  • Cognitive science
  • Intermedia
  • Computer-based technologies

This range means a student can pursue both performance-oriented and research-oriented work within the same department.

Undergraduate study: major and minor

The homepage features an "Explore the Minor & Major" section, which is the starting point for undergraduate degree planning. The site itself does not list the required courses, unit counts, or declaration procedures on the page reviewed here — those details live behind that link. If you need to know what a major or minor actually requires, treat the homepage as a signpost rather than a source of requirements.

Lessons and ensembles

Two further program components are highlighted on the homepage:

  • Take Lessons — individual instruction, with auditions announced for music lessons.
  • Find an Ensemble — participation in departmental ensembles, with auditions open for ensembles and lessons.

Both are relevant if your interest is performance rather than a formal degree track.

Related academic activity

The department hosts lectures, concerts, and events that reflect its research and performance areas, including:

  • The Ron Alexander Memorial Lectures in Musicology
  • The Noon Concert Series (guitar, violin, and piano students)
  • CMEMS lectures, such as "Songs of the Sea"
  • Performances of new works by Stanford graduate composers at the CCRMA Stage

These are not degree programs, but they indicate the department's active research and performance culture, including graduate-level composition work.

How to use the site

  1. Start at the department homepage.
  2. Select "Explore the Minor & Major" for undergraduate degree information.
  3. Select "Take Lessons" or "Find an Ensemble" if you are interested in performance participation.
  4. Check the news and events sections for audition announcements and lecture schedules.

Note that the site does not state tuition, fees, or whether lessons and ensembles carry credit; confirm those details with the department directly.