School of Music

Arthur E. Ostrander, Dean

William Pelto, Associate Dean

Craig Cummings, Associate Professor and Chair, Music Theory, History, and Composition

Mark Fonder, Professor and Chair, Music Education

Gordon Stout, Professor and Chair, Performance Studies

For full faculty listing, see directory of faculty and administration.

Now in its second century, the School of Music affirms its fundamental belief that music and the arts are essential components of the human experience. The School of Music prepares students for professional careers in music by combining instruction of the highest quality with outstanding performance opportunities. To this end the School of Music:

· Provides an environment that fosters the highest level of musical expression through performing, teaching, and writing music.

· Equips students with professional skills and knowledge in music and a foundation in the liberal arts that together provide a comprehensive education for the 21st century;

· Attracts and cultivates a faculty of dedicated teachers and artists who are actively committed to their profession, the School of Music, and the College;

· Provides an outlet for musical performance and study for non-music majors throughout the College and instills in them an awareness of the larger issues of the arts and their role in society;

· Provides cultural experiences for the community through a diverse series of recitals, concerts, special lectures, and symposia by students, faculty, and guest artists;

· Maintains an international role in the growth, development, and refinement of the art of music.

The highest level of musicianship is fostered in all degree programs by developing and refining skills and knowledge in solo and ensemble performance, music theory, music history, and other supportive areas. Professional degrees in music education, performance, jazz studies, composition, music theory, and music in combination with an outside field and a liberal arts degree in music prepare students for productive careers in teaching, performance, composition, arts administration, and related areas of the music industry. An appreciation of the expressive qualities of music, the cultural enrichment provided by music, and the personal reward of creating music gives life and reason to the general study of music at Ithaca College.