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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

Friday, March 20, 2026
Symphony Orchestra’s Honors Concert
7:30 pm
Wharton Center
MSU Orchestras

The MSU Symphony Orchestra, led by Octavio Más-Arocas, celebrates the Honors Concerto Competition winners with a vibrant program of student soloists and a Sam and Mary Austin Fanfare by an MSU student composer.

Friday, March 20, 2026
“Blurred Realities,” Contemporary Compositions
6:00 pm
Other
Presented by the MSU Museum in Collaboration with the College of Music

Experience music, art, and light in a collaborative program of contemporary works hosted by the MSU Museum, where sound and imagery meet in an immersive evening of creativity.

Monday, March 23, 2026
Schubert’s Last Sonatas
7:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series

MSU pianist Ralph Votapek performs Schubert’s final two piano sonatas, presenting a rare and profound journey through the composer’s richly expressive late style.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
CANCELED: Music of America: Flute and Piano Perspectives
7:30 pm
Cook Recital Hall
Artist-Faculty and Guest Recital Series

MSU artists Richard Sherman (flute) and Eric Zuber (piano) present a diverse program of expressive American works, highlighting the versatility of the flute-piano duo.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Sightlines + Soundscapes
6:00 pm
Other

Join MSU College of Music students as they perform site-specific compositions shaped by the walls of the MSU Broad Art Museum.

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News

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.

Dudamel debuts Humboldt’s Nature by Ricardo Lorenz in Los Angeles
March 17, 2026

The world premiere by the LA Phil of a deeply personal new work by MSU Music’s Ricardo Lorenz draws together Venezuela, Berlin, and a connection to Alexander von Humboldt.

Emerging Chamber Musicians Take the Stage in MSU Competition
March 11, 2026

Annual showcase concert features six student groups competing for top prizes.

Operas of Consequence and Comedy
March 5, 2026

MSU Opera Theatre close out the season with Puccini and Rossini Double Bill.

MSU Jazz Orchestras with Legendary Drummer Harvey Mason
February 27, 2026

Multi-GRAMMY nominated artist returns as MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence.

Paid Internships Open Doors for MSU Music Students
February 19, 2026

Through donor-supported programs, MSU Music students gain paid, career-shaping internships — and a fair chance to pursue them.

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