About us
The Department of Music
Welcome to the newly formed Department of Music (2021) in the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance!
The Department of Music offers a 4-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music and is built around a 42-46 credit coursework structure with concentrations in Music Technology or General Music Studies. The program also provides students the flexibility to earn two degrees via the Degree+ program. Additionally, a 21-credit certificate in Music Technology and a 15-credit Minor in Music History and Theory are offered. A wide range of courses are open to all student which include music theory, composition, music history, music technology, rock music, jazz, and world music.
The Department of Music offers all academic based music programs for the University offering a 15-credit minor, 21-credit Certificate in Music Technology and a BA in Music with two concentrations: General Music Studies and Music Technology. Development of concentrations in music theory, composition and jazz studies are also underway.
Students interested in studying music theory who have no previous musical experience are encouraged to take Fundamentals of Music (MUS 11200). Students with two or more years of band, orchestra, choir or piano can enroll in Music Theory I (MUS 13200) without taking a music theory placement exam. There are a number of Music Theory Placement Exams that are matched to our music theory sequence of courses. For advanced placement in one of these courses or credit by examination, please contact the Department of Music at 765-494-3708 or rueffmusic@groups.purdue.edu.
People
Current Faculty, Distinguished Faculty, Alumni, and Friends of Music.
Research
The department is home of the Laboratory for Audio and Music Purdue (LAMP) which focuses on study, research, exploration, and practice where technology, culture, sound, and music intersect.
Facilities
The Department of Music is housed in Pao Hall and the Elliott Hall of Music on the West Lafayette Purdue University campus. Pao Hall is a $47 million, 176,000 square-foot facility that houses classrooms, practice rooms, theatres, galleries, labs, workshops, a recording studio, LAMP, and faculty offices. Elliott Hall of Music and the Wilmeth Active Learning Center facilities include large lecture halls, recitlcal hall, a piano studio, and faculty offices.
Recording studio
Mallet Theater
Hansen Theater
Student Organizations
The Cadenza Piano Club
DJ Club
Musical History at Purdue
In 1886 the Purdue University Band was established. In 1894 the Varsity Glee Club was formed. Academic courses in music began in the 1960s and in April 2021 the trustees established the music major for the first time in its history. In 1886, the band was established and the following year, Purdue began playing football. Over the years three distinct organizations have emerged: Purdue University Bands and Orchestras, Purdue Musical Organizations and The Department of Music.
University Bands and Orchestras houses the Purdue All-American Marching Band, concert bands and wind ensemble, orchestras, jazz band, chamber music and applied music or private lessons. Bands and Orchestras is housed in Hagle Hall.
Purdue Musical Organizations consists of the Community Choir, Heart and Soul, Purdue Bells, Varsity Glee Club, Purduettes, University Choir and a variety of other specialty ensembles. PMO is housed in Bailey Hall. These three departments or divisions are in large measure independent of each other and frequently work together to accomplish important goals and events and to share faculty and resources.