The Music major helps students improve their musicianship while providing an in-depth study of music and its place in culture. Students also gain professional knowledge to help them in careers or graduate school related to digital visual and audio production and the larger music industry.
Studying music at the College produces graduates who are able to think deeply about music and perform at a high level. The College has produced an Academy Award-winning composer and many other successful musicians. Professional performance, musical theatre, teaching, writing, composing, conducting and producing are common careers for our graduates, though a College of Idaho music degree prepares its holder to succeed in a wide variety of work environments.
Show off your amazing talent in professional-level musical performances from operas to musical theatre productions!
The College of Idaho also is home to Caldwell Fine Arts and the Langroise Trio — one of the premier string chamber ensembles in the Western U.S. — providing easy access to internships and world-class performances. The Langroise Trio’s residency at the College provides a unique chamber music emphasis with its members providing students intensive training in violin, viola and cello. In addition, advanced students have successfully auditioned for Boise Philharmonic internships, enabling them to perform with a metropolitan-level professional orchestra while in college.
Students at The College of Idaho also have access to attend or participate in dozens of professional-level musical performances every school year. Student performance opportunities include opera and musical theatre productions. Below is a list of the groups and ensembles available on campus.
For more information, contact Mark Petty.
For more information, contact Dave Johnson.
For more information, contact Luis Fisher.
LINKS
Dr. Thomas William Posen (Music) was recently honored with not one, but two prestigious awards from the Society for Music Theory for his outstanding contributions to music scholarship.
Sarah Kelly ’23 opens up on why an education at The College of Idaho is a smart choice for students looking to major in music.
Join our talented musicians! Interested students must audition and are evaluated on preparation, tone quality, stage presence, musicianship, and growth potential.
Each year, The College of Idaho’s Department of Music produces an opera performance, such as “The Pirates of Penzance.”
The College is a place where so many activities, sports, clubs and experiences are offered. Make the most of it! Don’t be afraid to try participating in opportunities that are available to you. The students here truly become your peers, and it’s easy to form lasting bonds and relationships with those who share similar interests with you.
B.A in Music with minors in Art & Design, History and Scientific Computing.
I chose CofI because of the genuine nature I experienced from the people when I first visited. I felt as if the faculty wanted me to be here because of who I was and my skill set, and not just to add another number to their roster. Not only was CofI able to provide a close-knit community, which was very important to me, but they were able to provide a small school environment with big world exposure and thinking.
B.A in Music Performance with minors in Creative Writing, Human Performance and Psychology & Health.
The College's curriculum forced me to study in areas outside of my comfort zone, and it is in those areas that I am seeing the most differentiators between myself and my coworkers. How you set yourself apart is with better communication, better collaboration, a willingness to think outside of the box.
B.A. in Chemistry and Mathematics-Physics with minors in Music and Criminal Justice Studies. The College’s 3rd Goldwater Scholar.
In 2024, Kristen Perrin ‘03 published her debut novel “How to Solve Your Own Murder.” It has been called an “instant national bestseller,” which has resulted in Perrin being featured in Glamour UK, Sunset magazine, The New York Times and Good Morning America, and it was selected as a Jimmy Fallon Book Club Finalist.
B.A. in International Policy Economy with a minor in Music. MA in International from University of Nottingham. PhD in War Crimes (Bosnia) from University College London. National Bestselling Author.
After working for Governor Jim Risch, serving as a criminal prosecutor and corporate counsel for a healthcare organization, Luke Malek ’04 founded his own law firm, Smith + Malek, where he practices business, healthcare and municipal law. He also served as an Idaho State Representative from 2012-2018.
B.A. in Politics & Economics and a minor in Music. J.D. from University of Idaho College of Law. Founding Attorney & Co-Owner of Smith + Malek, and Former Idaho State Representative.
Your innovative spirit has propelled you this far. What’s next? That’s for you to dream, make, live and unleash at The College of Idaho. Come see what awaits you here.