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The music program is built on a well-rounded foundation, equally emphasizing music history, ethnomusicology, theory, and composition. Through structured coursework, you'll gain fundamental knowledge that exposes you to diverse musical traditions while developing specialized skills for deeper exploration. Undergraduate students can pursue either a major or minor in music, benefiting from top-tier faculty and numerous performance opportunities across various ensembles. Our graduate programs in composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory have cultivated distinguished scholars and acclaimed artists. A hallmark of our department is the vibrant collaboration among faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and performance directors. We actively engage with our surrounding community, demonstrating a deep commitment to civic involvement both locally and internationally. Situated in Philadelphia, a premier cultural hub, our recently upgraded facilities provide the perfect environment for our community to pursue its dedication to artistic and intellectual excellence.
International applicant should have completed a program of secondary education that would enable you to enter a university in your own country (e.g., A-levels, Abitur).
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the Educational Testing Service. In the event the TOEFL is not readily accessible, Penn will accept results from the IELTS, the International English Language Testing System.