Phillips Exeter Academy

Music

Forrestal Bowld Music Center

Experience a professional, state-of-the-art music facility. Utilize large rehearsal rooms, performance and classroom spaces, a spectacular auditorium, The Bowld, and more.

Performance Opportunities

From Symphony Orchestra to Steel Pan Ensemble, there is no shortage of performance opportunities on campus. Check out the nearly 20 different types of performance chances at Exeter.

Faculty by Instrument

With over 30 instruments taught, our talented music faculty provides an inspiring environment to develop your musical skills.

2024-25 Concert Series

The Concert Series ranges in musical and vocal talent and features student showcases, faculty performances, guest artists, and more.

By the numbers

30

instruments taught by over 40 talented faculty members

50+

performances each year

450

students take private lessons each term

15

vocal and instrumental Chamber groups

Featured Courses
MUS200

This introductory course introduces students to the basics of reading, writing, hearing and creating music, focusing on Western notation of rhythm and pitch, including scales, intervals, and major and minor keys and chords

 

MUS400/500

Advanced Instrumental/Vocal Study

A performance course for qualified students who wish to devote the term to intensive study of their instrument or voice. With the guidance of their instructor, students work on technique and interpretation with the goal of developing their own musical voices.

MUS206

Musical Structure and Songwriting

This course approaches contemporary songs and songwriting from both analytical and creative perspectives, engaging with music from a broad spectrum of genres, styles, influences, and eras.

 

Eric Schultz
image of Eric Schultz

Instructor in Music

Kristofer T. Johnson
image of Kristofer T. Johnson

Instructor in Music, Michael V. Forrestal '45 Chair for Music

Marcus D. Rabb
image of Marcus D. Rabb

Chair of the Department of Music

A vibrant and impactful space for concertgoers and performers alike The Bowld

Exeter Stories

Legendary New Orleans based jazz group, Preservation Hall, played alongside students at a Jazz Ensemble rehearsal.

It was really a shock for me to see students that were so eager. I’ve never had so many kids hungry to do stuff. I was like, ‘Wow, I gotta keep up.

Marcus Rabb, Instructor in Music