Sweet Briar Music Program

The Sweet Briar Music Program, located in Amherst, Virginia, United States, offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary education in the performing arts. Led by Dr. Joshua Harris, the program provides students with opportunities to explore various aspects of music, from traditional Arab music to West African drumming and dance. The program offers three tracks in dance, music, and theatre, along with minors in dance, music, musical theatre, and theatre.

Students at Sweet Briar have access to state-of-the-art studios and performance spaces, where they can collaborate with faculty and guest artists from around the world. The program also offers workshops, field trips, and performances that allow students to engage with music in a global context.

The Gager Concert Series, made possible by the late Forrest Gager in memory of his wife Janet, features classical music performances by faculty, students, and guest artists. All performances are free and open to the public, with campus-wide free parking available.

Music professor Kay Rooney, a professional violinist with experience performing in prestigious venues around the world, teaches violin and viola at Sweet Briar College and Randolph College. She collaborates with ensembles and orchestras, advocating for mental health through music.

The Music Program at Sweet Briar emphasizes creativity, innovation, and intellectual exploration, providing students with a supportive and challenging environment to pursue their passion for music. Whether students are interested in performance, composition, or musicology, the program offers a diverse range of opportunities for growth and development.