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Music for Social Change
Concentration
Music as a Force for Change
Use music to make a difference in individuals, communities, and the world.
Music for Social Change is a concentration within the music major that combines music education, social justice, and hands-on learning. You learn how music can transform lives and prepare for meaningful work in education, advocacy, and community development.
Inspired by El Sistema and similar international movements, this concentration is for students who believe in music as a tool for equity and healing. If you picture yourself leading community music programs, teaching in underserved schools, or launching your own initiative, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and experience to make an impact.
What You’ll Study
- Core Music Coursework: The concentration is part of the music major, so you complete core music coursework alongside the concentration’s specialized courses.
- Courses in Music & Social Change: Take classes like Seminar in Music for Social Change, Psychology of Music, and Arts and Community Engagement. Additionally fieldwork in social change, education, and community engagement.
- Capstone or Internship: Finish with a capstone project or internship that reflects your own interests and goals in music and social impact.
View the complete program requirements in our catalog
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Real-World Experience at the Center
Hands-on work is central to this concentration. With this concentration you’ll take field placements in local music education and community organizations, as well as work with youth in after-school programs, complete teaching residencies and mentorship with local artists. You will also take part in campus and community performance projects.
Along the way you’ll study models like El Sistema and Musicambia, programs that use music to transform lives, and you’ll do this in a community that welcomes students of every background. Performances and rehearsals happen in spaces like Sauder Concert Hall and Rieth Recital Hall.
Common Questions About The Music for Social Change Concentration
Alongside core music courses, you take specialized classes such as Seminar in Music for Social Change, Teaching for Social Change, Psychology of Music, and Arts and Community Engagement, plus fieldwork in social change, education, and community engagement. You finish with a capstone project or internship that reflects your own interests in music and social impact.
Graduates work as community music educators, program coordinators for arts nonprofits, music teachers in public or private schools, music-based therapists or advocates, and performers or composers with a social mission. Others pursue graduate study in music education, social work, or community development. The concentration prepares you for meaningful, mission-driven work.
You’ll take field placements in local music education and community organizations, work with youth in after-school programs, complete teaching residencies and mentorship with local artists, and join campus and community performance projects. You’ll also study models like El Sistema and Musicambia that use music to transform lives.
Students pursuing the Music for Social Change concentration are eligible for music scholarships based on performance, creativity, and leadership potential. These scholarships range from $2,500 to full tuition and are renewable. Use the net price calculator on the financial aid page to see your real number, and a financial aid counselor can walk you through the options.
Request information or schedule a visit to meet the music faculty and see the facilities, then apply to Goshen as a music student. Once enrolled, you declare the Music for Social Change concentration with your advisor. Reaching out early lets an advisor help you plan coursework and fieldwork from the start.
Ready to get started?
Matthew Hill
Professor of Music
Scott Hochstetler
Professor of Music
Solomia Soroka
Professor of Music
