Department of Music

Study music with a background in history and theory, and hone your craft through a blend of performance and individualized training.

Balla Kouyaté and World Vision perform at Colgate University in February 2022
Balla Kouyaté and his World Vision ensemble perform an energetic fusion of traditional West African music mixed with Afropop and jazz at the Colgate Memorial Chapel.

Colgate trains musicians in a variety of disciplines with an integrative approach to music theory, history, and practice. The global perspective of the curriculum prepares student musicians for environments ranging from the concert hall to the recording studio.

Whether taking an elective or pursuing a full course of study, Colgate music students benefit from access to numerous opportunities to perform. Students also receive individualized attention from their professors, who teach private lessons and lead major ensembles.

The department expands its diverse curriculum with invitations to visiting artists, performers, and scholars who provide students with unique opportunities to engage musical and cultural influences from all over the world.

The department offers both a major and a minor in music.

About the academic program in music

Students applying as music majors may share supplemental application materials.

Supplemental application materials

Department Contacts

For questions about the Music Department—including programs, courses, performances, and events, off-campus study, and collaborations—contact Morgan Tuttle.

Chair: DeWitt Godfrey
Concert Manager: Lorraine Joseph
Academic Department Coordinator: Morgan Tuttle
Office: Dana Arts Center
Phone: 315-228-7645

Kune performance
Events

The department hosts a number of concerts and other events each semester.

Student practicing the flute
Private Lessons

Colgate music department faculty are available for private lessons, for all those interested in individualized instruction.

A Colgate student lights a votive candle in a centuries-old European cathedral.
Off-Campus Study

The music department encourages students to expand their perspectives and experience by studying and performing off campus.

Professor Marietta Cheng conducts the Colgate University Orchestra during a rehearsal.
Faculty and Staff

Meet the faculty and staff of the music department, and learn about their ongoing practice and scholarship.

Visiting Artists

The department is proud to play host each semester to world-renowned visiting artists, groups, and performers. Students benefit not only from the opportunity to observe visitors’ performances, but to engage with them in classroom and workshop settings.

Events

Dana DISCOvery
Aug 27 Dana DISCOvery 5pm to 7pm