Through multiple modes of inquiry and experience, the department advances new ways of understanding music as both creative expression and cultural practice throughout the world. The department promotes musical education, research, and engagement at the highest standards of excellence on an open and inclusive basis.
Department of Music
Department of Music
The Department of Music is a community of scholars, creators, and performers dedicated to exploring music’s past, present, and future.
Department of Music
The Department of Music is a community of scholars, creators, and performers dedicated to exploring music’s past, present, and future.
Open House for Prospective Music and Multimedia Composition PhD Program Applicants
The Brown University Music & Multimedia Composition program (MMC) hosts two virtual open house events—October 24 from 1-3pm EDT and November 24 from 1-3pm EST—for prospective applicants to that program. Register via Google Form.
Academics
Undergraduate
Our diverse curriculum combines creative courses in composition, technology, and performance with speculative studies in history, theory, ethnomusicology, philosophy, and musical aesthetics.
Graduate
At Brown, your degree is what you make it: the more adventurous you are, the more exciting your program is likely to be.
Music Making
The Department of Music at Brown offers a huge array of performing opportunities, all available for academic credit.
Students seeking to improve their playing or singing ability have the option of taking individual private lessons with about thirty professional musicians from the greater Boston-Providence area.
Recent News
News from the Department of Music
PhD Candidate Kamari Carter's "Oath of Honor" Acquired by RISD Museum
Known for his relentless creativity and boundary-defying artistry, saxophonist Timo Vollbrecht has built a reputation as a true phenomenon in the jazz world. Originally from Berlin, Timo made the bold move to New York 15 years ago, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant scene and honing his distinctive musical voice. Today, he leads the Jazz Program at Brown University, balancing a thriving academic career with an impressive array of genre-spanning projects. For his latest venture, Timo Vollbrecht – Bremen New York, he brings together a stellar international lineup—Ralph Alessi (trumpet), Chris Tordini (bass), Thomas Strønen (drums), and Elias Stemeseder (piano)—bridging the musical worlds of Bremen and New York. We caught up with Timo to talk about this exciting project, his journey, and what drives his continued evolution as an artist.
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The Brown University music scholar embraces cultures, storytelling and soundscapes to advance “fierce expression” through composition and her dedication to her work with students.
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