As the only liberal arts college in the heart of Los Angeles, California, Occidental College gives you unparalleled access to the world’s most vibrant musical scene, where some of the most diverse and exciting music is being made.
Our curriculum unites performance, composition, music theory, history, production, and conducting, offering students a complete foundation for advanced study and creative work. Our faculty are active professionals who bring their experience as recording artists, composers, and members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic into the classroom and studio.
Signature opportunities for Oxy students include:
- Recording in state-of-the-art production facilities like the Choi Family Music Production Center
- Performing in operatic and orchestral productions, and during international tours with the Glee Club
- Composing and collaborating on chamber and ensemble works and scoring short films created by Oxy Media Arts & Culture majors
- Conducting research with faculty mentors over the summer
- Gaining industry experience through internships at companies such as Warner Music, Monotone Management, TMWRK Management, and the Grammy Museum
- Developing professional networks through the John Branca Institute for Music
Thanks to the quality of Oxy’s liberal arts education, you will graduate prepared for professional careers in music or for success in diverse fields beyond performance, which has made Occidental a for five years in a row.
Our graduates have:
- Signed with and work for major labels, including Warner Music, Kobalt Publishing, MTRNM, Lip Gloss, and Zoom Lens
- Worked with major film and TV composers, including James Newton Howard and Nathan Barr
- Attended sought-after graduate programs, including those at NYU, USC, New England Conservatory, and McGill University
