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Discover
What
Moves
You.

World-class education. World-class performances.

What is it like to be part of
the MSU College of Music?

We have a laser focus on the educational and professional preparation you need to succeed in today’s music world, but we also aim for personal fulfillment and enjoyment. That is what makes us special. We care about your success, and it shows.

Students from throughout Michigan, across the U.S. and around the globe come together in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, developing and supporting their personal, creative expression. The commitment and passion of our faculty and staff, and the supportive nature of student colleagues lead to professional success in our programs.

WE
ARE
SPARTANS
OF
research
"I've really enjoyed being able to explore new ideas and topics in my musicology and theory courses that were never presented as an option to me before, and I love the variety of research topics that faculty and students are participating and the amount of learning opportunities that provides."
Daniella Greene, graduate, violin
WE
ARE
SPARTANS
OF
Community
"Life as a music major at MSU feels like growing and pushing yourself alongside family. The close-knit community within the College of Music creates a supportive environment where both peers and professors hold you accountable and genuinely want to see you grow and succeed."
Laura-Simone Martin, undergraduate, jazz bass
WE
ARE
SPARTANS
OF
opportunity
“The MSU College of Music has been a great place to develop meaningful friendships and expand my professional network. It is both rigorous and supportive, providing a great balance throughout the school year."
Yuji Jones, graduate, conducting
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CARVE
YOUR
PATH.

We believe in providing the highest-quality music education to give musicians like you the space and inspiration needed to grow. Our undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and non-degree programs are designed to help students deeply develop their interests and talent. Realize your unique potential at the MSU College of Music.

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 25, 2026
MSU Choirs with Wind Symphony
7:30 pm
Wharton Center
MSU Wind Symphony and Choirs

The MSU Wind Symphony joins forces with more than 200 singers from MSU’s Choral Union, State Singers, and University Chorale for a large-scale concert featuring the music of acclaimed composer and conductor Jake Runestad.

Sunday, April 26, 2026
Spartan Youth Wind Symphony and Symphony Band
3:00 pm
Wharton Center
MSU Bands

An afternoon showcasing wind ensemble versatility with Bernstein’s Slava!, Profanation, and BSO Forever, plus works by Chambers, Yagisawa, Piunno, Sousa, and Newman, conducted by Dana Sedatole and David Thornton.

Thursday, April 30, 2026
Exit Music: For the End of Time
7:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Artist Faculty and Guest Recital Series

A piano recital shaped by reflection, asking which pieces stay with us when time feels especially short.

 

Sunday, May 3, 2026
Piano Monster: America 250!
3:00 pm
Fairchild Theatre
MSUFCU Showcase Series

Piano Monster returns in a spectacular finale to the Showcase Series, featuring eight pianists on four grand pianos in a powerful, all-American program celebrating 250 years of music, patriotism, and bold, genre-spanning arrangements.

Sunday, May 10, 2026
CANCELED: Keyboard Conversations
3:00 pm
MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel
Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series

Experience a unique duet recital as MSU’s Hae Won Jang and Deborah Moriarty perform works for piano and organ in the resonant MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel.

News

MSU Aluma Shannon Crowley Among Winners of The Met’s Prestigious Laffont Competition
April 17, 2026

The soprano’s national honor reflects years of steady growth and a solid foundation built at MSU.

Season Finale: “Piano Monster” Concert Highlights Iconic American Music

MSU’s final Showcase Series marks the nation’s 250th anniversary with four grand pianos and eight pianists on stage.

MSU Jazz Spectacular Series Closes Season with Weeklong Celebration Featuring Anat Cohen
April 8, 2026

Four-event series includes swing dance, high school jazz competition, and a finale concert with an internationally acclaimed guest artist.

A Voice for Artistry and Access: Kenneth Thompkins Honored at DSO’s Classical Roots
March 27, 2026

Recognition spotlights the MSU professor’s musicianship, advocacy, and commitment to expanding opportunity for young musicians of color.

West Circle Series Finale Presents “USA at 250 Years”
March 26, 2026

Unique concert celebrates American music and composers.

Wilks Earns First Place for Development of a Helpful Piece of Equipment
March 19, 2026

DMA candidate and bassoonist Madeline Wilks created an adaptable instrument strap that earned top-level support among eight finalists in the annual Running Start Competition.