About us
The Department of Music
Welcome to the newly formed Purdue University Department of Music (2021) located 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, Jazz Studies, Music Theory and Composition, and 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 students and include music theory, composition, music history, music technology, rock music, jazz, and world music.
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 placement exams for Music Theory I and II if you are not sure which class is right for you. For advanced placement in one of these courses, 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 to 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 Elliott Hall of Music on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus. Pao Hall is a $47 million, 176,000 square-foot facility that houses classrooms, practice rooms, theatres, galleries, labs, workshops, recording studio, LAMP, and faculty offices. Elliott Hall of Music facilities include a large lecture hall, piano studio, and faculty offices.
Recording studio
Mallet Theater
Hansen Theater
Student Organizations
The Cadenza Piano Club
DJ Club
Musical History at Purdue
The Purdue University Band was established in 1886, and the Varsity Glee club was formed in 1894. Purdue began offering academic courses in music in the 1960s and in April 2021 the trustees established the music major. Over the years three distinct organizations have emerged: Purdue University Bands and Orchestras, Purdue Musical Organizations and The Department of Music.
Purdue University Bands and Orchestras, located in Hagle Hall, comprises Purdue "All-American" Marching Band, Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Orchestras, Pep Bands, and Applied Music. To contact Purdue University Bands and Orchestras, please call 765-494-0770.
Purdue Musical Organizations, located in Bailey Hall, comprises All-Campus & Community Chorale, Heart and Soul, Purdue Bells, Purdue Varsity Glee Club, Purduettes, University Choir and Specialty Ensembles. To contact Purdue University Musical Organizations, please call 765-494-3941.
Purdue Department of Music, Purdue University Bands and Orchestras, and Purdue Music Organizations are independent of each other, but frequently work together to accomplish important goals while sharing faculty and resources.