Mission Statement
The Central Department of Music is dedicated to the development of competent and aesthetically sensitive musicians, intellectually deepened by a broad liberal arts education. Within the context of our music degrees, we prepare musicians for careers as educators, performers, composers and scholars while providing all students with strategies to cultivate artistic leadership in their chosen fields. We strive to foster in all students life-long connection and involvement with the art of music. The performance and scholarship of our faculty serves as an artistic and intellectual resources for Connecticut.
History
Since the first day of classes in 1849, Central (then called “Connecticut Normal School”) has been offering music courses and ensembles. The Department of Music was founded in the 1940’s, initially chaired by Dr. Etzel Wilhoit, the conductor of the New Britain Symphony. The music major, in education, was founded in the early 1970’s.