Music @ WPI

the Music Division of Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Music @ WPI.

Music studies at WPI present a variety of opportunities to explore performance, technology, composition, research, history, theory, and more.

HUA Requirement

Every WPI student can focus their HUA studies in music culminating with a project-based capstone in performance (instrumental and vocal), technology, history, and theory.

Major/Minor

Study of Music at WPI need not stop at the completion of the HUA requirement. Minors and majors allow individualized work and collaborations with music faculty.

Performing Ensembles

We have numerous choral and instrumental ensembles. All ensembles perform at a high level and present concerts throughout the school year, kicking off with the annual Family Weekend Concert each October.

Courses

Our music curriculum is focused on a range of topics in performance, technology, history, theory, and more.

Research

WPI offers students unique opportunities to combine their technical and artistic interests. One of those ways is to contribute to research conducted in one of our music technology labs.

Student Groups

In addition to course-related music opportunities, we have many student-run music ensembles and clubs.

Music Events Calendar

Courses and the HUA Requirement.

You can satisfy your Humanities and Arts (HUA) requirement by completing...

three music courses (that's your "depth”)
+ one non-music HUA course (that's your “breadth”)
+ one course in any HUA discipline including another music course.

You, then, take a music Seminar (HU3900) or Practicum (HU3910) course as your "HUA capstone"; these small-group setting courses are typically project-based and focus on a range of topics in performance (instrumental and vocal), technology, history, and theory.

Music Course Pathways


Music and Culture


2201 - Sounds of Social Justice

3201 - Music in Time of Conflict

3202 - Music, Gender, and Power

3210 - Topics in African American Music

3230 - World Music

Technology and Science


2300 - Foundations of Music Technology

2301 - Making Music with Machines

2501 - Music and Mind (crosslisted with PSY)

2502 - Making Music with Science

3300 - Electronic Music Composition

3301 - Topics in MIDI

3302 - Topics in Digital Sound

3302 - Topics in Interactive Programming

Theory and Composition


1100 - Foundations of Music Theory & Aural Skills

2100 - Music Composition

2101 - Arranging & Orchestration

3110 - Jazz Theory

Music History


1000 - Music and Its Makers

2001 - History of Western Art Music Before 1750

2002 - History of Western Art Music After 1750

2010 - Jazz History

2020 - History of American Popular Music

Performance


2401 - Glee Club

2402 - Alden Voices

2403 - Chamber Choir

2410 - Jazz Combo

2411 - Jazz Ensemble

2412 - Stage Band

2413 - African Drumming Ensemble

2420 - Orchestra

2421 - String Quartet

2430 - Concert Band

2431 - Brass Ensemble

2440 - Percussion Ensemble

2450 - Independent Instruction (Lessons) in Music

2451 – Conducting
See All WPI Music Courses
Join a Performing Ensemble
Choir

Choir

The larger ensembles, Alden Voices and Glee Club, are open to all; there are also opportunities for participation in Chamber Choir and other vocal ensembles. Contact Prof. Rohde directly for more information.
Contact the Choir Director
Orchestra

Orchestra

Orchestral instrumentalists are encouraged to join the Symphonic Orchestra; there are also opportunities for participation in chamber ensembles including the Medwin String Quartet. Contact our Director via email (below) for more information.
WPI Philharmonic Seating Audition Sign Up
Jazz

Jazz

There are three jazz groups (Stage Band, Workshop Bigband, Jazz Ensemble) that require an audition for new members and/or seating. Contact Prof. Olsen directly for more information.
Contact the Jazz Director
Concert Band

Concert Band

The band is open to all students and includes opportunities for participation in chamber ensembles. Contact Prof. Lutch directly for more information.
Contact the Concert Band Director

Get into Music Research

Join one of our many music research labs and groups

For any lab or area of research that interest you, visit the lab website to contact the WPI faculty principal investigator (PI); there are many related research efforts going on all the time, so explore the types of research associated with each lab and then reach out to the PI to if you'd like to get involved.

More Student Opportunities

Stay connected to music in other ways...
Student Music Clubs and Groups

Student Music Clubs & Organizations

WPI has over 235 student-run clubs including many student-run music clubs. The Marching and Pep band, for instance, is a student-run organization dedicated to enriching school spirit through musical performance. Check out the high-energy African Percussion & Dance Ensemble or learn about broadcasting through the WWPI Campus Radio; explore one of the many music-related groups on campus!

WPI Music Faculty

Meet the WPI Music Faculty

Scott Barton, Associate Professor of Music
Fredrick Bianchi, Professor of Music
Lucy Caplan, Assistant Professor of Music
David Ibbet, Visiting Teaching Professor of Music
Mitchell Lutch, Assistant Teaching Professor of Music
V.J. Manzo, Associate Professor of Music
Douglas Olsen, Assistant Teaching Professor of Music
Joshua Rohde, Assistant Teaching Professor of Music
Matthew Scinto, Assistant Teaching Professor of Music

Student Music Jobs

Student Music Jobs

There are several work/study positions available in music for those who qualify. All the instrumental ensembles, for example, have a need for music librarians; information on all positions is available through the WPI Student Jobs page.

Additionally, the choral program has multiple paid positions for students who play piano to accompany the choir in rehearsals and concerts, so please contact Professor Joshua Rohde to apply for those specific offerings.