Student Life
Students at the College of Music enjoy a closely-knit creative community and the excitement of a Big 10 university.
This is a living-learning community, meaning students live and work closely to each other, adjacent to the music facilities, supporting artistic and personal growth and bringing joy during the rigors of music study.
- Easy to-and-from practice and rehearsal facilities while living among others keeping a similar schedule
- Students enjoy the impromptu music-making opportunities the living environment inspires
An abundance of student organizations, within and outside of music, that allow for an inclusive and fulfilling student experience.
- Student-created, student-run groups specific to Music
- More than 1,000 registered student organizations function on campus with most open to all students
Equity, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging are important hallmarks of the College of Music’s active and supportive community. The College is committed to heightening awareness of social and cultural issues that affect our learning environment. Through cooperative efforts between students, staff, faculty, and leadership, our work in this area uses strategies including a culture of inclusive dialogue, listening, education, engagement, and action. We strive to provide opportunities to empower engagement throughout our community and facilitate conversations on a variety of complex topics. Ultimately, our goal is to promote inclusion and to appreciate the many benefits these values bring.
Through a global focus on music that bridges cultures and broadens perspectives, we recognize the power and purpose of international programs that build relationships, create opportunities, and encourage scholarly exchange. Our international focus mirrors that of the university and provides students with exceptional educational and performance programs. International students in the MSU College of Music are valued for everything they bring to our community. We work to make international Spartans feel welcome and to address challenges they face. In line with the University’s core values, the college works to enable all members of the community to develop skills and competencies to engage across global differences.
Our education abroad programs illustrate our belief in music as a universal language. The College of Music values every opportunity to interact and learn from musicians around the world, and our faculty create these opportunities for our students. For decades, they have led education abroad programs that have enriched the student experience.
The beautiful, classic university feel of the College of Music’s North Neighborhood setting adds to the charm of the location while offering many benefits including close proximity to fitness and library facilities, lush gardens and beautiful scenery, and the arts-friendly environment of downtown East Lansing all within a short walk. Just north of the iconic Red Cedar River, the College of Music maintains a small campus feel but with easy access to athletics, classroom buildings, and everything a big campus offers.
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, a vibrant college town just minutes away from the state capital. An easy drive east to Detroit or west to the beaches of Lake Michigan as well as Chicago. When students need a break from practice, there are always Spartan games, live concerts, art exhibits, theater, and hundreds of on-campus student clubs to enjoy. As a world-class university, MSU attracts internationally renowned scholars, guest lecturers, and visiting artists who, along with students from around the country and the globe, create a truly international community.