Definitely not! This is a common question on the mind of many musicians as they begin college. At Tufts, there are many ways to continue practicing, performing, and learning about music, whether or not you’re a music major. Through clubs, classes, and a job in the Music Department, I’ve been able to stay involved in music during all four years at Tufts. Curious to learn more? Keep reading!
Let’s start with the facilities- Granoff Music Center is open to everyone! Anyone is welcome to wander into a practice room, each equipped with a piano, whenever the building is open (hint: if you don’t know where they are, stop by the main office and one of the student workers will be happy to point you in the right direction)! During stressful weeks, I often find myself in my favorite practice room between classes as a reprieve from all of the studying.
A common way to stay involved in music is to take a class or private lesson with one of our incredible faculty members! From Introduction to Music Theory & Musicianship to Women in Music to History of Blues, there are many different classes to fit each student’s interests. Looking to learn a new instrument or continue improving a previously learned one? Private lessons are also available to all students!
In addition to taking classes in the department, many students opt to join performance ensembles or student-run clubs. Within the department, there are various ensembles open to all students, including the Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, the Opera Ensemble, and Gospel Choir. Other students choose to join student-run groups, as I did! My first semester at Tufts, I joined Public Harmony, a music and community service group that performs in the community at venues such as nursing homes, homeless shelters, and pediatric cancer homes in our neighboring communities. Likewise, many students choose to join one of the many student-run acapella groups here at Tufts. Between performance ensembles and student-run music groups, there are endless ways for all students to share their music with the Tufts community and beyond.
The last (and my personal favorite) way to get involved in music at Tufts is to get an on-campus job with the Music Department! The Music Department employs students for a variety of jobs in the building, including Music Event Staff, Security Monitors, Box Office Staff, and Main Office Student Workers. Through working in the main office over the last three years, I’ve developed lasting relationships with professors, faculty, and staff in the department while developing strong communication and organization skills that will have a profound impact on my future.
At Tufts, it’s incredibly easy to continue pursuing music even if it’s not your field of study. Though I’m not a music major, Granoff Music Center truly feels like home for me at Tufts, and I will always be grateful for that.
By Heidi Rubenstein '20
