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FAQs: Academic Offerings in Music



How do I find Music courses in Banner?

  • Banner divides music courses into two categories. Once you have selected the subject “Music,” you should also select one “Part of Term”: for academic courses (i.e., music history, theory, and composition), select “Full Term”; for studio lessons, ensembles, and performance classes (voice, piano, or guitar), select “Performance Studies.”

What courses are there for non-music majors and beginners?

  • The music department offers several courses designed for students who enjoy music but are not proficient in score reading. These courses emphasize the cultural context of musical production and include such popular offerings as World Music, Bach, American Music, and our History of Music series. Our Performance Studies (private lesson) instructors also welcome beginners. For a complete listing of courses available to non-majors and majors, please see our Course Catalog.

Can music majors participate in Dickinson’s study-abroad programs?

  • Yes, it is possible; however, music majors are strongly advised to seek their advisor’s counsel in planning for a semester or year abroad.

What degrees in music are offered at Dickinson College?

  • B.A. in Music. All majors must choose an emphasis from among four tracks: Performance Studies, Music History, Music Theory, or Composition. The emphasis must be stated at the time the music major is declared.

Does Dickinson offer a Music Education degree?

  • No.

Are only music majors allowed to take private lessons at Dickinson?

  • Lessons (called “Performance Studies Courses”) are open to all Dickinson students; however, in some studios (e.g., voice and piano), enrollment is competitive due to large numbers of students desiring lessons.

Are lessons offered for credit?

  • Yes, lessons are either a half-hour once a week for 0.50 credits or one hour once a week (with the instructor’s permission) for 1.00 credit hour. Therefore, lessons are graded and carry academic credit like all other academic courses at Dickinson College.

Is there an extra fee charged for lessons?

  • Yes, a Performance Studies Fee is assessed all non-majors; see the Student Accounts Page and scroll down to "Other Fees" for details.