A Love of Music
I first found out about Barnard while researching schools in New York City right before college application season began. I had a really hard time making a decision about where to go to school, but I am SO glad that I chose Barnard! At Barnard, I am a flutist studying both Music and Psychology. I love that I’ve had the ability to be involved with both of my interests. It’s a heavy workload, but I’m studying my two favorite subjects, so it never feels like too much. Along with my major courses, the General Education Requirements allow me to take some classes that I’m interested in outside of my two majors. If it’s something you’re interested, studying music and a science together is totally possible and your advisor will help you schedule everything!
Performing a Bach Sonata at a Columbia Classical Performers concert on campus
Barnard has a small music department, which I’ve come to appreciate. The head of the department, Professor Archer, is the advisor of music majors at Barnard and she creates a wonderful environment. Though you start out the major by taking Introduction to Music at Barnard, the rest of the major requirements are incorporated in Columbia’s music department. Academically, my music classes at Columbia all have small class sizes and have a range of interesting topics. The small class sizes allows for close relationships with professors and for a community to form between the students in the music department. Along with the purely academic courses, the Music Performance Program (MPP) allows for performance opportunities to count for academic credit. MPP is in charge of organizing private lessons (free for music majors/minors/concentrators!) as well as chamber music groups. Both of these options count as one credit on your academic transcript. It also allows you to perform alone or with other amazing Columbia musicians.
Barnard Flute Choir after our end of the year concert in Sulzberger Parlor
Along with my academic involvement in music, I also spend a lot of my time outside of classes involved in music! Some of the co-curricular activities I’m involved in are: Columbia Classical Performers, Columbia Bach Society, and the Barnard Flute Choir. These groups form wonderful communities on campus of music lovers and create a stress-free environment for enjoying music. Even if you’re not a music major, Columbia and Barnard’s music groups are open for you! There is such a large community on campus of music lovers, whether they’re studying music or not, that really makes me feel at home.
Seeing Daniil Trifinov performing Rachmaninoff's music at Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic!
Supplementing my on-campus activities, New York City holds so many opportunities for musicians and music appreciators! With discounted (and sometimes free!) tickets for students at the New York Philharmonic, I’m able to see a world-class (and my personal favorite) orchestra perform at least once a month. Along with that, I have utilized lotteries for Broadway tickets, seen my music professors perform downtown, and found free performances across the city in spaces such as Trinity Church’s St. Paul’s Chapel. Living in NYC is perfect for any music lover. There is an abundance of free and cheap performances (especially for students) that make great trips off-campus! The city truly adds to my experience as a musician at Barnard!
Best of luck to you!
Madelyn Baker
mrb2246@barnard.edu