Music Emory University

Overview

The Music programme at Emory University provides a vibrant and innovative academic environment designed for dedicated performers, composers, and researchers. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that balances practical instrumental or vocal instruction with rigorous theoretical and historical studies.

Undergraduates benefit from a faculty of over 60 distinguished artists and scholars who provide expert mentorship across various musical disciplines. The department fosters a culture of excellence, offering access to Atlanta’s finest resident musicians alongside internationally acclaimed guest artists who frequently visit the campus for workshops and performances.

Why Music at Emory University?

The institution is renowned for its distinctive teaching features, particularly the flexibility that allows over 90 per cent of students to pursue a double major. This unique structure enables individuals to combine their passion for the arts with studies in the sciences, humanities, or pre-health tracks, creating a well-rounded educational experience.

Facilities at the university support a prolific performance schedule, with more than 330 arts events hosted on campus annually. These range from student-led a cappella groups to professional concerts by international stars. Students also have the opportunity to participate in prestigious ensembles, including the Emory University Symphony Orchestra, which provides high-level mentorship and professional-grade performance opportunities.

Research is a cornerstone of the department, with students encouraged to explore the intersection of music and social change. Notable undergraduate projects have investigated the impact of folk songs on civil rights movements, with findings presented at national and international conferences. This emphasis on scholarly inquiry prepares students for advanced graduate study and diverse professional paths.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 70300 per year
• National fee: USD 70300 per year
• Local fee: USD 70300 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Music Cultures of the World
• Jazz: Its Evolution & Essence
• Ensemble
• Research in Music
• Composition
• Ethnomusicology
• Music History
• Theory
• Wind
• Orchestra
• Concert Choir
• Big Band
• University Chorus
• Chamber Music
• Collaborative Piano
• Strings
• Gamelan

Careers with Music

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of professional roles, often leveraging their double-major status to enter competitive industries. Many alumni find success in arts management, performance, education, and corporate sectors, applying the analytical and creative skills developed during their degree.

Recent graduates have secured positions at prominent organisations such as Live Nation Entertainment and the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Others have found employment with the Emory Symphony Youth Orchestra, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Westcon, and legal firms like Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. The programme also serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing further academic research or professional music conservatories.