Music

The Wesleyan University Music Department provides a unique and pioneering environment for advanced exploration committed to the study, performance, and composition of music from a perspective that recognizes and engages the breadth and diversity of the world's musics and technologies. As an integral part of one of the nation's leading liberal arts institutions, the department has enjoyed an international reputation for innovation and excellence, attracting students from around the globe since the inception of its visionary program in World Music six decades ago.

We are especially pleased to welcome our five new full-time Assistant Professors: Alcee Chriss (University Organist); John Dankwa (African Music and Ethnomusicology); Saida Daukeyeva (Central Asian Music and Ethnomusicology); Darius Jones (Improvisation and Composition); and James Praznik (Technical Director).

At Wesleyan, the arts are represented by the Music, Art and Art History, Dance, Theater, and College of Film and the Moving Image. The Center for the Arts (CFA) provides the primary venues for exhibitions and performances and our campus as a whole offers a rich and creative interdisciplinary environment for study and performance. Our music festivals and concerts have featured a diverse array of artists, including Max Roach, Akua Dixon, David Murray,  Odetta, Pete Seeger, Kronos Quartet, Bang on a Can All-Stars, David Krakauer and Klezmer Madness, the Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Midori, Shanghai Quartet, Tokyo String Quartet, Wu Man, Zakir Hussain, Toumani Diabate, Thomas Mapfumo, Hugh Masekela, Boukman Eksperyans, and Boogsie Sharpe.      

The World Instrument Collection and the World Music Archives provide unique resources for the study of music from a global perspective. Music and media technology facilities include several recording and experimental music studios, the Digital Design Commons, and the David Tudor Collection of electronic musical instruments and instrumentation.