Music

Music: Major

Music is an integral part of a liberal arts education and vital to campus life at Holy Cross. Every year, hundreds of students take advantage of a wide range of opportunities to explore, experience, and perform music both inside and outside the classroom. 

Our academic courses challenge students from across the curriculum to think, speak, and write effectively about music. Our performance ensembles bring students and faculty together to perform a diverse repertoire. Our program of instrumental and vocal instruction offers students private lessons, coaching, and master classes with exceptional performers drawn from across the country. Students find the skills emphasized in music (such as creativity, listening, and collaboration) are transferable to most disciplines and professions.

As a universal form of human expression, music transcends boundaries of language, culture, time and place. Whether you are interested in classical, popular, or world music, in music of the past or the present, in creating, performing, or simply listening, Holy Cross provides a rich context for engagement with music and the arts.

Students of all interests and passions, regardless of experience, are invited to become a part of our musical community. With a distinguished faculty, small classes, and a focus on mentoring, our vibrant program has something for everyone: for students who wish to major in music and for those who wish to explore music one course — or one concert — at a time. 

Program Highlights

The Department of Music offers courses in the history, theory, technology, and performance of music that cover topics reaching back through history and around the globe. Small classes, individual instruction, interdisciplinary opportunities, and a vibrant cocurricular performance program and concert schedule foster an interconnected environment of dynamic teacher-student interaction and collaboration both inside and outside of the classroom. Areas of study include:

  • Theory and composition
  • History and cultural studies
  • Performance studies
  • Classical music and popular music
  • World music and jazz
  • Audio engineering and music technology
student playing the violin
Instrumental and Vocal Lessons

Lessons are available through the music department for all instruments and voice.

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Performance Opportunities and Ensembles

All students (majors and non-majors) are welcome to join a wide variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles.

student playing the organ
Music Scholarships

Outstanding high school students may be eligible for scholarships covering full tuition at Holy Cross.

Music News

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Holy Cross Celebrates 44th Annual Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols
The beloved holiday tradition brought the College community together — on Mount St. James and beyond — to rejoice in the Christmas season.
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Iphigenia Opens as Inaugural Performance at the Prior Performing Arts Center
The College of the Holy Cross production combines two of Euripides’ ancient plays for a modern audience.
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Photo Gallery: Visitors Experience Prior Performing Arts Center at Community Day
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and Worcester residents tour the building and enjoy music, dance and theater open rehearsals and performances.