Music Department Frequently Asked Questions for New Students

The Music Department’s many performance opportunities include student recitals, performance classes, large ensembles, chamber music, senior recitals, master classes and workshops, the PCO concerto competition, and the Glee Club’s annual concert tour. The Department’s curricular ensembles include Choir, Glee Club, Orchestra, Band, Jazz Ensemble, Balinese Gamelan, Afro-Cuban Music Ensemble and West African Music Ensemble.

The Orchestra, Choir, Glee Club, and Jazz Ensemble have auditions at the beginning of each the semester. The other ensembles do not have auditions. Visit the courses webpage for additional information.

Yes. Ensembles are half-credit courses; lessons are offered either for half- or quarter-credit. You can register (i.e., pre-enroll) for the equivalent of 4.75 course credits from full and partial-credit courses. If one or more of those courses is a half-credit course, you can increase your load to 5.25 credits during the Add/Drop period. (This applies to all students, including first-years.)

Registration for individual music lessons take place ONLINE and not through my.pomona.edu. For registration schedule and the online link please visit the Private Lessons webpage.

Sometimes. There is considerable demand for music lessons, so students normally may not take lessons on more than one instrument. However, students who can demonstrate a practical reason why studying on two instruments is a prudent choice given one’s individual circumstances may petition to take lessons on both instruments. Petitions are part of the lesson registration form.

Most instruments have one instructor; piano, voice, violin and guitar have multiple teachers. The full-time faculty place students with a teacher.

Chamber music may be taken for credit after students have completed their first semester at the College. Students form groups on their own and/or in consultation with faculty to find appropriate players. Students may also participate in chamber music on a non-credit basis.

Yes, students who take lessons or play in a department ensemble may use the practice rooms in the basement of Thatcher Music Building. Access is 24/7 with a validated student ID.

We have a few unlocked practice rooms with upright pianos. Access to our finer pianos and larger practice spaces is restricted to those piano students who have permission from their teachers and chamber ensembles enrolled in MUS 040. Pomona is an all-Steinway school.

Our music ensembles are academic courses and attendance is considered mandatory. Some athletics coaches provide flexibility in order to accommodate students who want to do both. Check with your coach to identify conflicts.