Do I have to audition for admission to the music program?
The Music Department does not require a music major audition prior to admission to Calvin. Permission to major in music is granted usually at the end of the first year based on a list of requirements.
What music degrees do you offer?
Calvin offers two music degree programs - Bachelor of Arts (BA) with concentrations in Performance, History, Theory & Composition, or Music in Worship or a Bachelor of Music Education degree (BMEd) with a vocal or instrumental concentration.
Can I participate in ensembles without being a music major?
Whether you plan to major in music or biochemistry, Calvin offers plenty of opportunities to sing or play together with other musicians. All Calvin students may participate in an ensemble or take private lessons.
Can I participate in more than one ensemble?
Many Calvin students participate in two or more ensembles a semester and, in spite of the time requirement, consider ensemble participation re-creative (and a good stress-reliever!) and not a burden to their other coursework. However, please think carefully about how much time you would like to dedicate to ensemble rehearsals each week and plan your schedule accordingly.
What can I do with a music major from Calvin?
Alumni of the Calvin Music Department have gone on to do a variety of things in music including further study in graduate school, teaching music, playing in the Grand Rapids Symphony, playing in a bluegrass band, and much more! Check out our Alumni Stories website for some specific stories about music alumni.
Where do music majors go for graduate school?
Calvin Music Department alumni have gone on to study in prestigious music schools such as the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Westminster Choir College, Western Michigan University, and Yale.
Do you offer music scholarships?
Calvin offers scholarships for piano, organ, strings, voice, winds, and percussion. There are also many scholarships available (for returning students) in music in worship, composition, music theater, and education. Auditions for first-year scholarships are held in February.
What kind of music facilities does Calvin have?
Calvin's Fine Arts Center houses well-equiped music classrooms, rehearsal halls (instrumental and choral), teaching studios, practice rooms, a state-of-the-art music theory computer lab and the acoustically outstanding auditorium. Available to students and faculty are one Bosendorfer and five Steinway grand pianos, approximately 20 practice rooms, two harpsichords, six pipe organs, and a valuable collection of string, wind, percussion, and early music instruments. In addition, Calvin's large chamber music library and the Hekman Library, with its large music divisions of the Hekman Library and the Cayvan Recorded Media Center, provide valuable resources for both students and faculty.
Do you have chamber music opportunities?
Calvin has a variety of chamber music opportunities for string, piano, wind, and vocal students. These include string quartets, Collegium Musicum (early music ensemble), Chamber Winds, and more.
What musical opportunities are there in Grand Rapids?
There are a variety of musical opportunities in the Grand Rapids area. Calvin students are involved in worship services at area churches, they teach private lessons, and perform for weddings or special events. In addition, West Michigan has a vital musical community with organizations such as the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Opera Grand Rapids, Bach Chorale, West Shore Symphony Orchestra, and the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band.
May I take trial lessons from faculty members?
We would be happy to set up a trial lesson for you with one of our applied music faculty. Please contact the Music Department to schedule a lesson.
When I come to visit Calvin, may I observe music classes and ensembles?
As part of the Fridays at Calvin program, you will have the opportunity to visit a variety of different classes as well as some of the music ensembles. Observations can also be arranged at other times. Please contact the Music Department or the Admissions Office for more information.
