"The phrase 'small college with a big heart' is something that I will always remember."
Music
Current information appears on Castleton University pages for students entering in and prior to the 2022-2023 academic year.
Castleton University has a strong history of training musicians and educators for outstanding careers.
Castleton offers a wide variety of performing ensembles for students regardless of their field of study. With an array of vocal and instrumental opportunities, students are encouraged to pursue their musical interests and discover new talents.
Highlights of the Program
- We can tailor your Music degree to fit your goals. You will work closely with a faculty advisor to take the classes that are most meaningful to you as a professional.
- Castleton’s Music department offers the following degrees and concentrations: Bachelor of Arts in Music, Music Performance, Musical Theater, Music Education, Certification in PreK-12 vocal and Instrumental Music, and a Music Minor.
- The Music Department offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in ensembles. These range from the traditional choral and wind ensembles to marching band, jazz ensemble, and a student-run men's a cappella group.
- Music majors benefit from a variety of open rehearsal, performance, and learning spaces.
Music Scholarships
Entering Music majors may apply for a music scholarship. The recipient’s award of $2,500 per year is renewable for the duration of the degree program provided that the student remains a music major in good standing.
Music Outside of the Classroom
The Music Department offers numerous opportunities for students to grow, learn, and network outside of the classroom.
Collaborations
The University Chorale and Chamber Singers regularly perform with other Vermont college choirs and professional instrumentalists as part of the Vermont Collegiate Choral Consortium. Past collaborations include Jose Vitier's Misa Cubana, Faure's Requiem, Mozart's Vesperae Solennes de Confessor, and the Bernstein Chichester Psalms. The choirs have worked with directors such as Robert de Cormier, Dr. Tony Leach, Francois Clemmons, and Dr. Tony Thornton from UMASS Amherst.
The jazz ensemble and wind ensemble have collaborated with such professional ensembles as the Fortieth Army Band.
Local Performances
Music majors and other students often form bands and other small ensembles for gigs at local restaurants and the ski areas such as Killington, Pico and Okemo Mountains. Groups such as Tim Haufe, Moose Crossing, and Twiddle all got their start on the Castleton campus!
Student Chapters and membership in National Organizations
- National Association for Music Educators (NAfME)
- Vermont Music Educators Association (VMEA)
- American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
- Vermont Chapter of ACDA
Students organize on-campus activities and travel to regional and national conferences to hear outstanding ensembles from around the world. They attend professional workshops and presentations and network with peers as well as professional educators.
Recent conference trip locations include Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Providence, Rhode Island; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Career opportunities with a Music Degree
Castleton Music graduates have established careers in performance, teaching, and music production as well as other fields. Many alumni have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees in music.
Recent teaching positions held by Castleton graduates include:
- Fine Arts Department Chair – Anna Maria College, MA
- Professor Music Education – Bridgewater State University, MA
- Director of Instrumental Music – Fair Haven High School, VT
- Director of Choral Activities - Fair Haven High School, VT
- Music Educator – Proctor High School, VT
- Music Educator – Lothrop Elementary School, VT
