Music Program

Take part in Harvard's rich and engaging music scene.

The OFA Music Program invites students to take part in Harvard's rich and engaging music scene. From the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra to the Harvard Glee Club, students can learn and perform in a variety of ensembles and musical traditions. Last year, over 950 students were involved in OFA Music Program activities, presenting over 150 performances.

Support for musicians at all levels includes funding for voice lessons, instrument rentals, and private instruction. The OFA also connects students with opportunities to join an array of professionally led and student-led groups in partnership with the Department of Music. These ensembles host guest artists, workshops, and residencies; commission new works; tour nationally and internationally; and actively engage with the local Cambridge and Boston communities. Students also regularly form their own music groups and receive funding, space, and support from the OFA.

Music Program Staff & Teaching Artists
Harvard band on stage
jazz band member playing trumpet

OFA Instrumental Ensembles

The OFA Instrumental Ensembles provide students with the opportunity to perform at the highest level while building lifelong community.

Choir singer

OFA Choral Ensembles

The OFA Choral Ensembles bring students together through music that spans centuries, cultures, and traditions. From chamber choirs to powerhouse choruses, singers perform, tour, and celebrate identity through voice.

The start of freshman year can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, but from the moment I joined the HRO, I knew I had found a family at Harvard.

Student-Led Music Groups

Harvard has a wide range of student-led music ensembles across genres including a cappella, rock, R&B, hip-hop, electronica, global traditions, and more. Students can access the full list of student groups at the following link.

See the student music groups listing
student band

Harvard Music Department

The Harvard University Department of Music is an academic department offering both an undergraduate and graduate program. Harvard also offers two dual programs of study with the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) and Berklee College of Music. The Department sponsors numerous concerts, colloquia, lectures and special music events each month, which are free to students and the public.

Visit the Harvard Music Department website
Students playing classical music

Music Funding

Music Lesson Subsidy Program
The Music Lesson Subsidy Program provides funding to support private instrument and vocal instruction for Harvard College undergraduates currently receiving financial aid.
man playing cello

The Holden Voice Program

Students in the Harvard Choruses receive individual, subsidized voice lessons from Holden Voice Program instructors, all master artist-teachers within the field. Financial assistance for lessons is generously provided by Harvard Choruses alumni.

Woman singing while holding sheet music

Harvard Choruses New Music Initiative

The Harvard Choruses New Music Initiative (HCNMI) is a bold and innovative program dedicated to fostering the creation of new choral works by undergraduate student composers.

Two students discuss a piece of music with their instructor

Skills for Singing

Skills for Singing is a co-curricular, non-credit, no-cost course designed to elevate students’ vocal ability and can aid in preparation for auditions for student vocal groups and the Harvard Choruses.  

two students discussing sheet music with their instructor

Instrument Rental Fund
The Office for the Arts (OFA) offers funding to help cover the cost of renting an instrument for participation in one of the College’s music ensembles or other active engagements within the Harvard Music Community.
person playing horn instrument

Boston Symphony Orchestra Tickets

Tickets for Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) performances are frequently available to undergraduate students. Tickets may be picked up at the front desk, Office of the Arts, 74 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge. Tickets are available first come, first served.

Students playing classical music

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Explore Our Other Programs

woman working on pottery

OFA Ceramics Program

Connecting students, faculty, and community artists in an internationally recognized hub for learning and creating in ceramics.

dancer leaping into air

OFA Dance Program

Empowering students to take risks, build resilience, and find joy through movement.

students standing on stage

OFA Theater Program

Providing students with space, resources, and mentorship to create bold, student-led theater.