Music Outreach: Volunteers Needed!
Interested in sharing your love of music with elementary and high school students? Visit our Music Outreach page for information about our volunteer programs in Boston-area schools.
The Music Department provides a holistic and versatile education in music theory, performance, and history. Grounded in Boston College's liberal arts tradition, our courses, lessons, and ensembles are designed to engage the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual faculties of our students and the wider community.
Programs
The music major offers world-class training in music theory and performance within a liberal arts framework. Students encounter diverse perspectives on music, preparing for a wide range of careers.
The minor in music is a serious alternative for students who are vitally interested in music but either do not wish to make music their career or have majors that preclude taking music as a second major.
The Music Department offers private voice and instrument lessons for music majors, minors, and other interested members of the BC community, as well as 30 ensembles and student groups.
By the Numbers
18
Musical Ensembles
28
Faculty Members
12
Courses Required for the Music Major
News and Events
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Prof. Michael Noone directs a series of concerts in Salamanca Cathedral, Salamanca, Spain
Music Department Chair, Prof Michael Noone, directs a series of concerts, recordings, and videos of Golden Age sacred music in Salamanca cathedral, Spain.
Treasures of Renaissance music from the Burns Library revealed by renowned Dutch ensemble Cappella Pratensis.
In the Fall of 2024, the renowned Dutch ensemble Cappella Pratensis visited Boston College for a residency that included concert performances in St Mary's Chapel, workshops with BC students, and a series of video recordings of Medieval and Renaissance treasures from the Burns Library. Cappella Pratensis are world-leaders in performing early music from its original notation. In this video, their expert singers perform the Kyrie from a Mass composed by Spanish Renaissance composer Cristóbal de Morales (c. 1500-1553) from the Burns Library exemplar of a choir book printed by Jacque Moderne in 1546 (see https://moralesmassbook.bc.edu).
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I2OzlGCd_I
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Cappella Pratensis at Boston College
Members of the vocal ensemble Cappella Pratensis spent the last weekend in October recording sacred works from the Burns Library collections of rare Medieval and Renaissance music sources. The Netherlands-based ensemble will present a workshop/masterclass in Gasson 100 on Tuesday October 29 at noon and a concert featuring Dufay's Ecce Ancilla Domini mass in St Mary's Chapel at 7:30 pm on Tuesday October 29. All welcome!
Farewell to Richard Shaughesssy
Thank you Richard for 23 Years at Boston College.
Bridges ESOL Chorus is directed by Prof. Riikka Pietiläinen Caffrey
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Chorus students are directed by Prof. Pietiläinen Caffrey who is featured in the "Collaboration Spotlight" article. Prof. Pietiläinen Caffrey is the community coordinator and Bridges ESOL Chorus director for this program. Read the full article published in the Chorus Journal, October 2024 issue.
Congratulations to Anna Wittstruck on her new published article
Prof. Anna Wittstruck’s article, "Embodying Eroica: Pregnancy and Performativity on the Podium," has been published by Women and Music: A Journal of Gender and Culture, as part of the 2024 volume. You can read the full published article here.
European Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma 2024 - Concert Listing
This year’s 80th anniversary conference-concert-commemorations will take place between July 31st - August 2nd, 2024.
Prof. Ralf Gawlick’s oratorio on the Sinti and Roma, O Lunge Drom (The Long Road), will be performed on August 1st, 2024 in the Krakow Philharmonic: https://www.roma-sinti-holocaust-memorial-day.eu
Then, on August 2nd, international delegations and representatives will assemble in Auschwitz I (Stammlager) for a Commemorative Act of Parliamentary Representatives & Political Leaders organized in cooperation with the International Organizations and with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. It will be a closed event with high media coverage in the “Theater Building’” in Auschwitz I, used after 1942 to store the Zyklon B gas. For this commemoration, Florian Berner (cellist from the Alban Berg Ensemble Wien) has been invited to perform a Tombeau (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DeTDdIYeRc) which I composed for solo cello along with the Sarabande from Bach’s 5th Cello Suite.
Show MoreFall 2024 Auditions for Boston College Symphony Orchestra and Instrumental Chamber Music Program.
Audition for the Boston College Symphony Orchestra and Instrumental Chamber Music Program!
For placement into the Boston College Symphony Orchestra and/or an instrumental chamber music group, all students (new and returning) should play one 10-min audition in the first week of the semester. Your audition will serve as BOTH your orchestra audition and your chamber music audition; students may indicate which musical ensembles they are interested in on the audition survey (see below).
Auditions for BCSO (or BCSO + Chamber Music) will be held in Lyons Hall Room 427 at the following times:
• Sunday, August 25, 6-10 pm (directly following the Music Department Performing Ensembles Welcome Reception in Lyons 423 from 4:30-5:30 pm - all are welcome to attend!)
• Monday, August 26, 10 am-12:30 pm; 1:30 pm-2:30 pm; 5:30-10 pm
• Tuesday, August 27, 9:30 am-12:30 pm; 1:30 pm-2 pm; 8 pm-10 pm
• Wednesday, August 28, 9:30 am-1:30 pm (BCSO Open Rehearsal in Conte Forum Band Room at 7:15 pm - all are welcome to show up and play!)
• Make-up times (please use as last resort): Thursday, August 29, 11 am-12 pm; 1-2 pm and Tuesday, September 3, 10 am-12 pm
Additional audition times for students interested in chamber music ONLY will be offered on Wednesday, September 4, 10 am-12 pm and 1-2 pm, location Lyons Hall Room 406.
To audition for BCSO and/or Chamber Music, please follow the instructions below:
1. Please sign up for an audition time using this sign-up sheet.
2. Before your audition time, please have filled out this survey.
3. Please prepare the following:
• String players: 3-5 min of solo playing of your choosing.
• Wind players: 2 short contrasting pieces (one lyrical, one technical), and a chromatic scale.
• Percussion: your audition time will just be a one-on-one conversation, with a chance to play on instruments at our first rehearsal.
• Pianists: 3-5 min of solo playing of your choosing. Please be prepared to sight-read.
The Boston College Symphony Orchestra meets on Mondays (strings only and/or sectionals) from 7:30-9 pm in Lyons 423, and on Wednesdays (full orchestra) from 7:10-9:40 pm in Conte Forum. The first BCSO rehearsal, which will take place on Wednesday, August 28, at 7:15 pm in Conte Forum, is open to any interested students who would like to play; the final roster will be determined and announced at the end of the week and seating/part assignments by the second rehearsal.
Small instrumental chamber groups (2-6 people) rehearse on their own and receive weekly coachings from a faculty member, scheduled at the discretion of the group and coach.
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O Lungo Drom (The Long Road) Essay
The Long and Boundless Road: Classical pianist and author Simon Tedeschi reflects on the power of art, having been inspired by Ralf Yusuf Gawlick’s 2022 oratorio O Lungo Drom (The Long Road), recently released by Decca Australia. This article originally appeared in Limelight's June 2024 issue and has been republished with their permission. Read the original article at https://limelight-arts.com.au/features/the-long-and-boundless-road/ Read the full essay.
Painting by Jos Jackson titled "Unfinished Journey"
Show MoreWhy Study Music?
Whether you view music as a career path or an abiding extracurricular passion, our major and minor offer a comprehensive liberal arts education that you can tailor to your goals and the role you want music to play in your life.
Student Voices
Jack Doppke Jack Doppke '25
Jack Doppke
Class of 2025
There are truly limitless opportunities for students to get involved in music, and that is thanks to the department's dedication to putting its students first.
Hometown: Burr Ridge, IL
Why did you choose to study music at BC?
I found out very quickly that it was an incredible environment to explore the intersection between creativity and academics. The first music classes I enrolled in showed me that there a rich community of faculty members that care about their student's intellectual development, encouraging them to be involved in music and study what they are passionate about.
Favorite Music Department class?
My favorite class, Music of the Modern Era, is also conveniently taught by my favorite professor, Daniel Callahan. Prof. Callahan provided me with so much help outside of the classroom, not only with course material but also helping me apply for a grant to study music abroad. He cares about his students, and always makes sure that they have the opportunity to succeed.
Favorite aspect of the Music Department?
I have certainly derived the most joy from the Music Department's support of extracurricular music activities. They truly have a student-centered approach that encourages students to be leaders and active participators in the creation of music. There are truly limitless opportunities for students to get involved in music, and that is thanks to the department's dedication to putting its students first.
Favorite aspect of Boston College?
I have always loved that everyone at BC truly cares about education as an important part of their lives. People care about learning, creativity, and intellectualism, which has led to the most fruitful friendships I will ever have.
Bonnie Stewart Bonnie Stewart '24
Bonnie Stewart
Class of 2024
My education at Boston College has challenged me to grow as a student, musician, and person, allowing me to see what it truly means to be a person for others in a complex, dynamic, interdisciplinary world.
Hometown: Scituate, MA
Why BC's Music Department?
I chose BC's music program because of the opportunities to expand my musical knowledge in both classroom and practical settings, within a department where I could connect with peers and professors in a musical community. From my first theory class to my last semester, I have been afforded incredible opportunities as a performer and student that I do not think I would have otherwise had in a different music program.
Favorite Music Department Class?
One of my favorite classes has been Music of the Modern Era, taught by Professor Callahan. The course opened up a space to think critically about what music is, who it is made by and for, and ultimately why we make music, all explored through the lens of 20th-century histories. The thoughtful reflection and discussion on the very nature of music challenged me to look at my own relationship to music in a new light.
Favorite Music Department experience?
I have greatly enjoyed the volunteer opportunities through the Music Outreach teaching program. Through my weekly volunteer teaching at a local school, I have had the opportunity to give students lessons in voice, violin, and piano. not only have I been able to grow my practical teaching experience and skills through this program, but I have been lucky enough to get to know some of the incredible students and teachers of these local communities as I prepare to become a music educator. Beyond this, I have valued the tight-knit community of peers and faculty within the Music Department. The department is filled with peers and faculty who are truly passionate about this field and have an incredible range of specializations to share. I feel lucky to have had the chance to be a part of such a committed and supportive community.
Ryan Barcy Ryan Barcy '25
Ryan Barcy
Class of 2025
I've enjoyed that the Music Department feels like a community and a family. As I've grown as a student over the years, I've fostered deep connections with the same professors I've had for multiple classes.
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Why did you choose BC's Music Department?
I chose to pursue music at Boston College because of the department's low student-to-faculty ratio, the community, and the opportunities for joining ensembles.
Favorite Music Department Class?
Jazz Harmony and Improvisation, taught by Professor Lee, has been one of my favorite classes. We had a tight-knit group of students, who all grew over the semester as we improvised over famous jazz standards. Professor Lee is an excellent teacher who truly cares about his students.
Favorite aspect of the department?
I've enjoyed that the Music Department feels like a community and a family. As I've grown as a student over the years, I've fostered deep connections with the same professors I've had for multiple classes, allowing me to continue growing my relationships with them.
Favorite aspect of Boston College?
I love the pride and spirit of Boston College students, especially when it comes to showing up for sports games or unique BC traditions, including Modstock or Marathon Monday. I also love that BC takes special consideration for undergraduate teaching with Jesuit education.
Aidan Keane Aidan Keane '26
Aidan Keane
Class of 2026
I am not a music major or minor, but I have chosen to take music classes at BC because I have been playing music all my life and want to learn more about it.
Hometown: Sayville, NY
Favorite Music Department class?
My favorite class in the music department so far has been Harmony. I found most of the concepts to be tedious at the start of the class, but as I began to use them more and more, I began to see their purpose.
Why did you decide to study music?
I am not a music major or minor, but I have chosen to take music classes at BC because I have been playing music all my life and want to learn more about it.
Favorite aspect of Music Department courses?
I have most enjoyed being able to write our own counterpoints and chorales, as it allows for more creativity than most other classes.
Favorite aspects of Boston College?
The things that I like most about BC are its competitive nature, numerous activities and opportunities, and Jesuit tradition.
Tassilo Sajonia-Coburgo Nadal Tassilo Sajonia-Coburgo Nadal '24
Tassilo Sajonia-Coburgo Nadal
Class of 2024
One of my favorite courses has been Professor Watchorn's class on J.S Bach because it was extremely informative, put into context different elements of music and history, and required critical thinking.
Hometown: London, UK
Why did you choose BC's Music Department?
I am passionate about music and I am interested in both music theory and music history.
Favorite aspect of the Music Department?
The different perspective it provides on art, philosophy, history and cultures.
Favorite music course?
One of my favorite courses has been Professor Watchorn's class on J.S Bach because it was extremely informative, put into context different elements of music and history, and required critical thinking.
Where do our graduates work?
Resident Conductor, Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum (2017-2023)
Ph.D. Student in Music Composition, Stony Brook University
Touring Musician and Music Producer, Brighton Hills West
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects, The New School College of Performing Arts
Ph.D. Student in Musicology & Ethnomusicology, Brown University
Pianist and Organist, St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Philanthropic Liaison, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Management Consultant, Accenture
