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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

Monday, January 12, 2026
Votapek and Friends 5th Edition
7:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series

Pianist Ralph Votapek performs alongside Wei-Qin Claire Tang and Daniel Bazin in an evening of vibrant two-piano works, featuring music by Barber, Bernstein, Kapustin, and Rachmaninoff. 

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Dark Horse Consort – The Sounds of St. Mark’s
7:30 pm
Fairchild Theatre
Taylor Johnston Early Music Series

The Dark Horse Consort revives the rich brass traditions of Renaissance and early Baroque Europe with a dazzling program of Gabrieli, Picchi, and Castello, echoing the majestic, multi-choir soundscapes of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Guest Masterclass and Recital with Ari Cohen Mann, oboe
4:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Guest Recital and Masterclass
Ari Cohen Mann joins pianist Sandy Huang for a masterclass with oboe students, followed by a recital featuring Kevin Day’s Vortex and a reimagined Pulcinella Suite by Stravinsky.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Saxophone Collaborations
7:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series

MSU saxophonist Joseph Lulloff leads an evening of vibrant saxophone and piano works, joined by Yu-Lien The and John Nichol, featuring Amy Beach’s Romance, the world premiere of Parker Fritz’s Write Your Own Way, and more.

Sunday, January 18, 2026
Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concert
3:00 pm
Fairchild Theatre
MSU Jazz Ensembles

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this powerful annual concert features the MSU Jazz Orchestras, Carmen Bradford, and MSU jazz voice students in a powerful program of spirituals and jazz works that celebrate hope, justice, and reflection.

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News

Keys to the Season
December 22, 2025

Two movements from The Nutcracker, reimagined by MSU faculty and performed by MSU students.

SMB receives $1.5M for student scholarships
December 11, 2025

Funds supporting members of the band are part of historic gift from Greg and Dawn Williams.

Violin professor shapes global musical talent

Dmitri Berlinsky, an internationally recognized violinist, has spent the last 25 years mentoring aspiring musicians in the MSU College of Music.

A Legacy of Music and Mentorship Lives On
December 4, 2025

The Lance LaDuke Brass Scholarship at MSU honors an alum whose passion for music continues to inspire future Spartans.

René Marie Brings Creative Vocal Style to MSU Jazz Residency
November 25, 2025

Celebration of MSU Jazz Studies’ 25th Anniversary continues with a weeklong residency and performance at Fairchild Theatre.

A Celebration of Joy and Unity this Holiday Season
November 14, 2025

MSU choirs and orchestra present Alegría Navideña at Wharton Center

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