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Music

The Hill is alive with the sound of music! The Music minor provides comprehensive coverage of music theory, history, and performance. Whether you want to learn a new instrument, brush up on your vocal skills, or keep your musical passion alive, the Music minor has something for every Green Terror. 

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Degree Types
Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Musical Theatre Performance
Theatre Arts
Africana Studies
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Total credits
20-22
Document
Special Opportunities
Ensembles and Performance Groups

Why McDaniel for Music?

Music at McDaniel is open to every student, regardless of skill level. If you're starting from scratch and learning how to read music, we'll show you the notes. If you already have a background in music, you can test out of the fundamentals course and start learning theory, performance, and history.

Our courses compare musical traditions across time periods and cultures, including both Western and non-Western traditions. Drum out rhythms on a handmade West African djembe. Learn how philosophy and technology influence future music. Hear the works of Black composers throughout history.

Covering both instrumental and vocal, the Music minor is adaptable to any student's interest. We offer ensemble opportunities — like the Green Terror Marching Band — and private lessons. From piano lab to guitar lessons, you can find your sound on the Hill.

Special Opportunities

McDaniel College gospel choir performs in concert.

Join an Ensemble Sing Your Heart Out

The Music Department supports a variety of student and faculty ensembles that welcome singers and instrumentalists. You can even join a course to learn how to sing or play.

  • African Drum Ensembles
  • College Band
  • College Chorus
  • Flute Choir
  • G4 Saxophone Quartet
  • Gospel Choir
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Westminster Symphony Orchestra
  • And more!

Distinctive Courses

MUL 2220 - Future Music

An exploration of different types of composition in the 21st century including art music such as chance, minimalism, and serial composition, as well as jazz, pop, and crossover strains. The course considers the diverse influences on today’s composition, such as Chinese philosophy, commerciality, African drumming, and music of India.


McDaniel Plan: Creative Expression; International; Social Cultural and Historical Understanding

MUL 2209 - The Black Composer Speaks

Credits: 4
This course examines the historical development of “art” (classical) music by African American composers from the 19th century to the present day. These composers? use of forms from spirituals to rap will be discussed as compositional devices and tools in the construction of these works. This course also explores the role that race and education play in the acceptance and rejection of this art form. Attention will be paid to interviews given by these composers and the analysis of their compositions in search of “Africanisms.” Also included will be a comparative view of their works by African-American contemporaries of other art forms (dance, theater, etc.)


McDaniel Plan: Multicultural; Creative Expression; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding
 

MUL 2210 - History of Jazz

Credits: 4
A survey of the stylistic transformations that have taken place in jazz since 1900, with a study of the social and political conditions that have exerted a powerful influence on jazz artists.


McDaniel Plan: Creative Expression; Multicultural; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding
 

Program Requirements

Music Minor
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The McDaniel Commitment — a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students — provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Students wearing Black t-shirts that say McDaniel College Pep Band pose with their instruments

Marching Band Scholarships Available! Green Terror Marching Band A performance ensemble unlike any other.

The Green Terror Band is McDaniel College's student performance ensemble — a program that blends pep band, marching band, and rock band traditions into something entirely its own. In addition to traditional brass, woodwinds, and percussion, the band also incorporates guitar, bass, and keyboard, setting it apart from typical college bands.

Students are active participants in shaping the ensemble — from learning and writing music to contributing to the group's identity and direction. Performances happen throughout both fall and spring semesters, with 6–8 per semester this year. The band currently performs as a Pep Band at basketball games and campus events. Beginning in Fall 2027, the program expands to a full Marching Band, performing on the field in the fall and continuing as a Pep Band in the spring.

Color guard and drum line are also planned as part of the program's growth.

Learn more about the Green Terror Marching Band
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Popular class teaches students West African drumming and culture

McDaniel students are learning to groove on the djembe drum in the course West African Drumming Culture, taught by Paco Samb, senior adjunct lecturer and Senegalese griot. Through drums songs and dance, they learn about the history and culture of West Africa.

Read "Popular class teaches students West African drumming and culture"

Related Programs

Theatre Arts Musical Theatre Performance Cinema Africana Studies
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch
mapsearch Created with Sketch.

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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