Music & The Arts

Everyone knows that MIT has a special focus on science and technology, but many outsiders don't know that it's a flourishing center for the arts as well. Opportunities extend far beyond your required course work in the arts and humanities. At MIT, the arts are widely practiced, performed and celebrated, everywhere you look - in corridors and classrooms, on stage and in the studio.

You may be among the 75% of freshmen who come to MIT with a strong interest and involvement in the arts. You can pursue these artistic interests by participating in any of the 60+ music, theater writing, visual arts and dance groups, or simply by enjoying the more than 500 arts-related events on campus each year. Some music, theater and dance groups are led by faculty while others are student run.

Highlights include the melodious vibes of MIT's many a cappella singing groups, including the Chorollaries and the Logarythms; classical vocal repertoire by the Concert Choir and Chamber Chorus; the electrifying performances of the Dance Troupe; the rich tones of the MIT Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble and music from Senegal and Bali featured by Rambax and Gamelan Galak-tika. Jazz and Chamber Music ensembles enrich the picture.

If you are serious about music performance, whether you are interested in earning academic credit or not, you can take private lessons and participate in a variety of ensembles led by a prestigious music faculty that includes award-winning composers, musicologists and performers.

You can also choose to major or minor in music, theater arts, literature and writing. Some students pursue double majors in science or engineering and the arts, thus earning two degrees. Others arrange joint majors, earning a degree in the humanities and engineering, or in the humanities and science.

MIT's cultural diversity inspires tremendous creativity. MIT's Mariachi Band was founded by students living together in Spanish House. MIT members of the National Society of Black Engineers formed a Step dance team that took first place in national competition. Mocha Moves Dance Squad promotes hip-hop culture through dance. Natya showcases classical Indian dance performances on campus, while the MIT Bhangra Club competes nationally and holds free classes for the MIT community. Casino Rueda Group celebrates and teaches many different salsa dance styles, particularly the Cuban Casino Rueda. The Lion Dance Club performs at Chinese New Year and at cultural festivals throughout the year.

Our arts facilities include the MIT Museum, the Berenice Abbott Photography Laboratory, the extraordinary contemporary art collection of the List Visual Arts Center, and the Lewis Music Library. The Student Art Association offers classes in drawing, painting, photography and ceramics. The Office of the Arts coordinates arts activities and serves as an advocate for the arts on campus. It also supplies students with free tickets to two world-class local institutions, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as other local events.