Harvey Mudd College Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; Joint Music Program of Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges.

Learn More

Join the Joint Music Program of Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Scripps Colleges for an in-person information session from 4:35 to 5 p.m. during the Admitted Student Program.

Dozens of HMC students perform in ensembles, take music classes, or take music lessons each semester. Music can even be your Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSA) Concentration. HSA departmental music faculty include Professors Alves and Wilson of HMC, and Professors Cubek and Kamm of the Joint Music Program. Contact information for each is found at HSA Faculty and Staff.

Music Courses

Classroom courses in music offered by HMC faculty and by Joint Music Program faculty (who also teach at Scripps College) include the study of ethnomusicology, music and culture, music history, music theory, electronic music, and music composition. These are generally 3-credit courses. Course descriptions can be found on departmental web pages, including HSA Courses and Scripps College Music. In addition, music courses are offered at other Claremont Colleges, so check their websites.

Music Ensembles

Music ensembles of the Joint Music Program are 1-credit courses and are open by audition:

MUS 173 Claremont Concert Choir (MW 7–8:30 p.m. class rehearsals)

A choir of sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses open by audition to Harvey Mudd College students as well as students from the other colleges. Singers in the ensemble range from more advanced beginners through advanced choral students. Enrollment requires a successful audition. Visit Joint Music Program Choirs for more information.

MUS 175 Claremont Concert Orchestra (MW 7–8:30 p.m. class rehearsals)

A symphonic orchestra open by audition to Harvey Mudd College students as well as students from the other colleges. Participating in the Claremont Concert Orchestra required a successful audition on your instrument. Visit Joint Music Program Orchestras for more information.

MUS 176 Claremont Treble Singers (MW 5:30–6:45 p.m. class rehearsals)

A choir of sopranos and altos open by audition to Harvey Mudd College students as well as students from the other colleges. Singers in the ensemble range from more advanced beginners through advanced choral students. Enrollment requires a successful audition. Visit Joint Music Program Choirs for more information.

• Audition information

Ensembles at HMC

American Gamelan Ensemble (in fall 2025) and Early Music Ensemble are offered in various semesters—contact Professor Alves (alves@hmc.edu) for more information.

Other Ensembles

• Pomona College offers a number of other ensembles including the Pomona College Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Afro-Cuban Ensemble. More information is at Semester Courses (including Ensembles) for First-Year Students
• A limited number of chamber music ensembles (classical) are coached by faculty at Scripps College, intended for intermediate and advanced students. These are arranged by audition with the violin faculty member. For more information, visit Violin and Chamber Music Auditions.
• Music lessons (private) in piano, violin, and voice are offered at Scripps College as 1.5-credit courses. In piano and voice, small group lessons for beginners or early-intermediate students are also available. More information can be found at Scripps College Music.
• Music lessons on most other orchestral and band instruments, as well as on guitar are available for credit at Pomona College. Visit Private Lessons.
• Music Major: for information on the Music Major at Scripps College (which can be taken as an off-campus major) visit Music Major.
• Extracurricular music activities include Mariachi Serrano, Claremont Colleges Shogo Taiko, vocal a cappella ensembles, open mic nights at venues like The Hive and The Motley, many informal groups like bands, and concerts of all sorts.