Mission—Values—Vision

The Department of Music at Stanford advances music-making and scholarly research across a broad spectrum of disciplines, bringing together cognitive science, composition, computer-based technologies, conducting, ethnomusicology, intermedia, music history, music theory, and performance. Departmental activities serve multiple constituencies on campus and in local communities through a wealth of courses, concerts, performance opportunities, research projects, workshops, and lectures throughout the year. Ensembles of different kinds and cultural provenance are open to all students: chamber music, choirs, guzheng, jazz groups, orchestras, steelpan, taiko, and more.  

Guided by Stanford University’s core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognizing that the study and practice of music play an important role in representing, challenging, and transcending cultural boundaries, we promote creative collaboration and innovation in many forms. Our alumni include leaders in universities and conservatories around the world, researchers in music history, theory, and ethnomusicology and in the science and technologies of music and acoustics, members of major symphony orchestras, chamber musicians, soloists, sound artists, and composers and arrangers of contemporary, film, and game music.

The department’s vision is to sustain and enhance its reputation as a global musical leader in education, creative practices, and scholarship. Through a diverse range of interests and expertise and an abiding commitment to the growth and development of our students, faculty, and staff, we aim to realize the ideals of an inclusive and vibrant community dedicated to bringing about meaningful change in the world.