The applied music program allowed me to develop my technique on many different instruments. While being here, I have learned to play 17th century music on the Viola da Gamba as well as learning modern jazz theory via the electric guitar.

The faculty members are also extremely helpful. They make an effort to get to know the students on an individual level and they use their experience and wisdom to help encourage that student's interests.

Jared Fine '06

When I came to Muhlenberg, I felt I was pretty set in my academic ways. I was on track for an economics major and had not given any thought towards a music concentration. I simply wanted the opportunity to play in various musical ensembles to further develop my musicianship. The music department at Muhlenberg is a network of amazing people and is growing every year. Those people I was surrounded by in the musical groups, whether in Jazz Improvisation Ensemble or Chamber Orchestra, were clearly fond of the academic side of the department as well. Upon the suggestion (raving was more like it) of the classes and faculty by so many people, I decided to enroll in Music Theory I and Music History I in Fall, 2003. It is easy for me to say that these classes surpassed my expectations by leaps and bounds. I was astonished by the growth I saw in myself as a music student and musician. The members of the faculty in this department are extremely knowledgeable and talented, and it is obvious that they are here for the students. Needless to say, I am now a double major in economics and music. I could never have anticipated the tremendous impact my experience with this department (in only the first two years of college) would have on my overall college career, and I strongly recommend any music course offered at Muhlenberg College to anyone interested in music.

Elizabeth Colpo '05

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Colpo, and I'm a Music (voice performance) and Accounting double major here at Muhlenberg. My experience here these past two years has been incredibly enriching. I began college at another school, and despite the remarkable musical experiences I had there, I realized I hungered to further my liberal arts studies, and I decided to transfer to Muhlenberg. Here at Muhlenberg, I have been blessed by the opportunity to pursue multiple interests. I've furthered my musical abilities and knowledge, gained valuable skills in accounting, AND explored a broad range of other subjects; hence, I have become a more-skilled musician while gaining a well-rounded education.

My main activities here are music-related. I sing in the Opera Group and College Choir and play violin in the Chamber Orchestra. I also cantor and solo for our campus chapel services, which has given me an opportunity to combine my faith and my love of music. Additionally, I've been able to combine accounting and my love of theatre by serving as Business Manager of the Muhlenberg Theatre Association.

My favorite part of our music department is our faculty! They are not only knowledgeable, but also extremely passionate about music, enthusiastic about teaching, and dedicated to enriching their students and encouraging their pursuits. I'm so grateful for all the expertise and support they have shared with me, and I know many other students would echo these sentiments!

Gillian Greenbaum '07

I am a music and theatre double major here at Muhlenberg. I came in search of a liberal arts education, but what I found here turned out to be so much more. Not only am I receiving a well-rounded education, but I am also lucky enough to be a part of one of the greatest music programs around. Muhlenberg's Music Department has put together an array of wonderful classes, workshops, performance ensembles, and private vocal and instrumental coaching classes to help students reach their musical goals. All of the professors are kind, understanding, supportive, and knowledgeable. They make learning fun and have inspired me to expand my own musical horizons. Here at Muhlenberg, there is something for everyone. I am extremely lucky that I have been given the opportunity to acquire such a fantastic and substantial background in my life's passion, music.

Shannon Giffels '07

Muhlenberg offers a vast amount of opportunities to its music majors. As a freshman I had no ideas what to expect my first semester here and was amazed by what I found. The faculty will bend over backwards to help you in any way they can. You are a real person to them as opposed to being just another student. By the end of my second semester, I was involved in the Choir, Chamber Singers, Collegium Musicum, WoBand (a contemporary Christian group that performs at the Chapel and local churches), as well as taking voice lessons (which provide more performance opportunities), and believe it or not, I hope to become involved in more performing groups in the future. Also if you come to Muhlenberg and they don't have something you're interested in, no problem, they can help you create what you want. With the help of the music faculty, we recently drew up the constitution for BOOM ('Berg Organization Of Musicians).

The beauty of a liberal arts education is that, in being a music major, I'm not just limited to solely music related classes and groups. I'm not going to leave this college and know a ton of music theory and history and nothing about anything else. Instead I know already that I will leave well rounded. I'll know music, as well as math, art, science, religion, psychology, etc., and most importantly, how to be an intelligent and rationally thinking person who is equipped to live life and be a positive influence in society.

Jeff Williams '05

I entered Muhlenberg as a singer, with the simple desire to develop my music skills, but had no real intention of declaring it as my major. Before I knew it, I had declared Music in early October, my very first semester at Muhlenberg. Needless to say, Dr. Follet in Music Theory I immediately hooked me, and by some stroke of luck, I had Dr. Conner's First-Year Seminar - "Musical Revolutions and Other Acts of Intellectual Violence." They both were extremely welcoming and really made me feel at home.

I have had an incredible musical journey thus far - participating in Collegium Musicum, College Choir, Chamber Singers, Opera Group, musically directing the AcaFellas, and even the recently formed student group, BOOM ('Berg Organization of Musicians). As you can see, I love the variety of what Muhlenberg has to offer. In the classroom, our professors really push us to think of music intellectually. Each professor has a very different teaching style and they play off of each other very well. My voice and piano teachers have also been amazing, and it is impossible to measure how much I have benefited from their individual attention and expertise.

Marita McCormick '03

. teaches music at the Willow Hill Elementary School in Willow Grove, PA. While at Muhlenberg, Marita had this to say: ".through inspiring moments and tremendous support from my professors and teachers I decided to follow my passion and dedicate my life to music. I entered Muhlenberg strictly as a singer and now I consider myself to be a music theorist, historian, teacher, and an instrumentalist. Moreover, what I love the most about the department is that the faculty members are very willing to develop personal relationships with you and offer to help you in every way possible in order to foster your musical talents. Only through these supportive relationships have I been able to realize my dreams, follow my passions and succeed in such wonderful ways."

Theresa Olin '03

.is pursuing a graduate degree in theory and voice at the University of Connecticut. Theresa, who double majored in Music and Chemistry, said this while at Muhlenberg: ".the college is very supportive of people who want to go after multiple interests. Performing in the College Choir, Collegium Musicum and Chamber Singers (as well as student recitals and cantoring for Chapel services) gives me great opportunities for indulging and furthering my love of music."

.is in the music theatre composition program at New York University. When he was a student, Josh wrote this: "What I find most appealing about the Department of Music at Muhlenberg is the diversity it has to offer. The music major itself provides flexibility and choice, something very important with so many avenues of music to possibly pursue. The three different concentrations all provide options in terms of course selection, and no one area is mutually exclusive. I find the variety of classes and groups I have had the opportunity to be a part of at Muhlenberg, as well as the liberal arts education, have helped make me an incredibly well-rounded musician and student of learning."