Department of Music

The Department of Music leads students to integrate creative and practical musical skills with critical thinking and intellectual inquiry, empowering them for a lifetime of learning. The curriculum provides an excellent foundation that prepares students to be adaptive leaders equipped to actively engage in their communities through the arts. The Department of Music welcomes students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests in music and provides pathways for performers, listeners, scholars, and creators of all kinds. The curriculum trains students in music performance, composition, music industry, and research and cultivates the creative habits of mind that make our majors competitive in a wide range of careers.

Faculty Accomplishments

Delers & Fairtile publish on Adam Smith's passion for the arts in 1766 Paris

Olivier Delers, professor of French, and Linda Fairtile, head of Parsons Music Library, published “An Economist at the Opera: Adam Smith’s Passion for the Arts in 1766 Paris” in The Adam Smith Review. The chapter explores the famous classical economist Adam Smith during his time in Paris in 1766, focusing on his personal engagement, interest, and passion for the performing arts and opera.

Fairtile publishes critical edition of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Edgar"

Linda Fairtile, head of Parsons Music Library and adjunct lecturer of music, published a critical edition of Giacomo Puccini's opera Edgar. The edition reconstructs the orchestral score from historical sources since the original complete score did not survive.

Kong publishes book on how to make plant-based living a sustainable lifestyle

Joanne Kong, senior teaching faculty of music, published Veggan Made Easy: A Practical Guide to Plant-Based Living. The book includes practical advice on adopting a plant-based lifestyle and how everyday choices are integral to more compassionate living.

Fillerup promoted to professor

Jessie Fillerup was promoted to professor of music. Her research interests are driven by her curiosity about French musical cultures, illusory experiences, and the nature of musical temporality.

Stories & Media Mentions

Rankings News

University of Richmond Named a Top 25 National Liberal Arts College for 10th Consecutive Year by U.S. News & World Report

The University of Richmond has again been recognized among the nation’s best liberal arts institutions, ranking No. 21 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges guide, released today.