At Franklin College, music is an invaluable dimension of a student’s educational experience. A quality music education integrates the processes of performing, interpreting, critiquing and making music in a way that is developmentally appropriate and personally relevant to students’ lives.
Why Music at Franklin College
Music gives students the means to reflect on, organize and express experiences of one’s self and world. Our music program allows for all students to make meaning out of and give an authentic voice to their inner being and outer experiences.
Through the experiential processes of music, students develop both personal and multicultural awareness and understanding, as they reflect upon their own musical experiences as well as those of others. We welcome all students to advance their Liberal Arts education by participating in our ensembles, applied study, and/or academic courses.
Why do students choose music at Franklin College?
- Small class sizes and individual attention
- Comprehensive curriculum for the music major, music minor or music maker
- Wide array of musical ensembles to choose from:
- Franklin College Singers
- Franklin College Women’s Chorus
- Franklin College Men’s Chorus
- Franklin College Wind Ensemble
- Franklin College Pep Band
- Franklin College Drum Line
- Franklin Jazz Collective
- Unique internship opportunities that focus on preparing the student for their musical field of choice
- Applied instrumental and vocal instruction by working professionals who are at the top of their field
Special Programs
Internships through the department of music send students to top professionals within the field of their choice, regardless where in the country that professional may be. Whether studying with top music therapists in Florida or interning with top high school choral programs, Franklin College music majors are learning valuable skills not taught in the traditional music classroom.
Our unique pathway to teaching licensure enables music undergraduates to incorporate education courses within the traditional music major. Students completing their course requirements are able to student teach their final semester on campus and, upon completion, sit for the Indiana Praxis exam in Grades 6-12 Instrumental Music or Grades 6-12 General/Choral Music.
Scholarship Audition Information
For scholarship information or to schedule an audition for a music department scholarship, please contact:
Ms. Christine Morris, academic administrative assistant, at 317.738.8271 0r cmorris@FranklinCollege.edu.
Our 2026-2027 Season
Music Faculty Recital
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring the Music Department’s faculty.
The event is free and open to the public.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
Thursday, Nov. 5 – Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m., Theatre Margot
A collaboration of the Franklin College Department of Theatre and Department of Music
There is a charge for this event. Free with a valid FC ID, $15 general admission, and $10 seniors and students. Open to the public.
Instrumental Chamber Concert
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring the Woodwind, Brass and Percussion students.
The event is free and open to the public.
Vocal Chamber Concert
Thursday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring vocal students.
The event is free and open to the public.
Holiday Instrumental Concert
Thursday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring the Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and FC Band.
The event is free and open to the public.
Holiday Choral Concerts
Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring the FC Singers, FC Women’s Chorus and FC Men’s Chorus
The event is free and open to the public.
Instrumental Chamber Concert
Tuesday, April 13 at 7 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring the Woodwind, Brass and Percussion students.
The event is free and open to the public.
Vocal Chamber Concert
Thursday, April 15 at 7 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring vocal students.
The event is free and open to the public.
Instrumental Chamber Concert
Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring the Woodwind, Brass and Percussion students.
The event is free and open to the public.
Spring Choral Concerts
Friday, May 14 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 15, 2 p.m., Custer Theatre
Featuring vocal students.
The event is free and open to the public.
Check out some of our past performances.
Strike the notes of passion for a career in music.
Download the Music Major HandoutMore Resources
Choose Your Path
Students who choose to study Music at Franklin College can pursue a major in Music with either a choral or instrumental performance emphasis.
Music is also available as a minor.
"I believe that everyone has a capacity to love, make and experience music. The skills and discipline that make a great musician are the same skills that make a great student, a great teacher, a great person."
Casey J. Hayes, Ph.D.
Professor and A.J. Thurston Endowed Chair of Music
Nurture your talent and engage your senses in one of our music ensembles.
Learn about our Music Ensembles
We believe that engagement with music is a critically important means for developing practical thought processes that connect with the deeper purpose of education. Music is another way of knowing that can enhance learning in other disciplines by providing a more complete picture of reality as well as a deeper understanding of man’s history throughout the ages.
Students need music to help develop the following creative and cognitive skills: cultivating imagination and originality; problem-solving and risk-taking; abstract reasoning; organizing parts into a meaningful whole; making aesthetic judgments and decisions; giving attention to detail and craftsmanship; broadening perceptions of the world; expressing and communicating ideas, and appreciating human differences.
Education in music fosters intellectual growth by teaching students how to think rather than what to think. An inquiring mind capable of autonomous thought and decision-making is necessary for dealing with the ambiguities of daily life experiences.
Want to explore your fit at Franklin College? Here are some next steps.
Come for a Visit
Apply for Admission
Contact Admissions
Meet Our People
Meet the talented professionals who will help guide you on your musical journey.
-
Eric DeForest, D.M.A.
Chair, Department of Music; Assistant Professor of Music; Director of Vocal Choral Activities -
Casey J. Hayes, Ph.D.
A.J. Thurston Endowed Professor of Music; International Admissions Representative -
Jonathan Rice, D.M.A.
Lecturer of Music Theory and Applied Woodwinds -
Chang Shen, M.S.
Lecturer of Music; Music Department Accompanist -
Randy Greenwell
Band Director & Head of Brass Studio -
Devyn Kerr ’23, M.M.
Lecturer of Music -
Andrew Phillips
Lecturer of Music
Department of Music
Address
Contact
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.