About Us

Message from the Chair

I am pleased to invite you on a virtual tour of the University of Delaware Department of Music. Within these pages, you’ll come to know the people and programs that make Music at Delaware a truly remarkable experience, whether you are a music major, a non-major with unrelenting passion for music, or a member of the community seeking opportunities for world class musical performance.

The Department of Music’s reputation for excellence begins with our 60 dedicated faculty members, who enjoy national renown for their outstanding accomplishments in performance, research and publication. With expertise and achievements as varied as the world of music itself, our faculty share a passion for teaching, inspiring students at UD to go beyond the perfunctory process of mastering the instrument, seeking meaning behind the notes, and context within the experience.

Evidenced in the collaborative energies between applied studios and ensembles that lead to elevated musical performance, or the interwoven elements of theory and practice in preparation for a career in teaching music, the Department of Music strives to foster skills for excellent musicianship within an interactive academic environment that causes students to take on the multi-faceted challenges of musical artistry.

I hope your time on these pages leads you to campus where you can get to know our talented students and outstanding faculty. If you’re seeking a school of music with high artistic standards, a rigorous academic program and faculty who are eager to fully engage in your education, I’m confident we’re interested in you!

Paul D. Head

Chair, Department of Music

Welcome to the Department of Music!

For more than 60 years the University of Delaware Department of Music has been dedicated to the musical growth of its students and the cultural enrichment of the community, offering a range of music majors and minors and presenting a variety of public performances.

A full member of the National Association of Schools of Music, the department offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Music Management; Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education, Theory/Composition and Performance; and Master of Music degrees in Performance, Composition, Conducting and Music Education. For non-majors, the department offers minors in applied music, musical studies, jazz studies, music management and church music. Non-majors also compete on an equal basis with majors for ensemble seating.

In addition to programs for music majors and minors, the department offers classes and activities for the general student population. Approximately 1,000 students enroll each year in music appreciation courses, and more than 500 students earn academic credit by participating in the department's music ensembles and performance programs.

The Department of Music, in combination with the Professional Theater Training Program/Resident Ensemble Players, is proud to offer a large variety of public performances throughout the year in our numerous University venues.