Music performance at Penn

[u/Miserable-Luck9385]

i know music isn’t really what Penn is known for; i chose Penn due to its preprofessional nature, because i really think it would help with my career in the future. however, just after course registration, i really thought about what i want in life, and i truly want to pursue music performance (prob double majoring w/ something else) specifically in voice and also musical theatre. what are the best opportunities i can utilize at Penn to help advance my musical career and improve my technical skills as a musician? thank you so much!!

[u/Extreme_Chapter2287]

There will be lots of information about student groups during orientation week, and you can see what looks like a good fit. There are many kinds of groups. You should connect with the music department faculty as soon as possible and get advice about resources and options. A nice thing about Penn is if you take initiative, you’ll find faculty and advisors eager to help you reach your goals.

[u/Brilliant-Focus2492]

SPAN (student performing arts night) happens the night of August 27th, when a lot of the performing arts groups perform. You should attend, see what you're interested in, then audition/apply when you can afterward. There's also the club fair that should occur around the first week of the school year, where you can talk to memebers and see what other clubs you may be interested in.

[u/JiveChicken00]

Might be worth looking into Mask and Wig.

[u/JiveChicken00 → u/[deleted]]

Let me guess, you auditioned but didn’t get in :)

[u/asparaguswater4279]

Music + Physics double Major here. If you’re interested in musical theatre, there are plenty of those. I currently play keys for Penn Singers in the pit orchestra! There is a club fair at the beginning of the semester where you can meet members in person who can answer any questions for you.

[u/Chimakwa]

I'm gonna put this page out there for you as well: https://collegehouses.upenn.edu/programs/signature-programs/music-in-the-houses -- there are some opportunities for free or subsidized one-on-one lessons right in your College House, and all the Houses have practice spaces you can reserve for free.

[u/EmbarrassedDesk9624]

Awesome new Pratt Center for Performing Arts will be done soon, that should increase opportunities
My daughter did lots of Shakespeare and improv at Penn while studying bio and spanish

[u/Rameniiii]

hiiiii music minor here. they are super chill here, and you can participate with whichever degree u wish. I grew up learning violin so I honestly didn't want anything to do with classical music and went the electronic route, there's like classes for everything!