Arts

Music

Music at CSW

Discover Your Sound

From foundational courses in theory and ear training to advanced work in songwriting, composition, and digital production, students are encouraged to explore music as both craft and cultural expression. Our curriculum spans genres and technologies — from jazz to beat making, guitar skills to film scoring — giving students the tools to create, perform, and think critically about their art.

Rock Pop 2025

    • Watch our tribute to Billy Joel and Progressive Rock.

Whether you've been playing an instrument for years or are simply exploring an interest in music, CSW’s music program invites you in. With opportunities to perform, compose, and collaborate, you'll expand your skills and uncover your potential in a community that nurtures creativity and musical growth.

Musical Ensembles

List of 4 items.

  • Instrumental Ensemble

    The Instrumental Ensemble works on classical pieces in preparation for concerts. In addition to a larger group performance, smaller ensembles of players will be arranged and coached by music faculty members, working towards recitals and more formal concert settings.
  • Jazz Ensemble

    Jazz ensemble musicians learn to perform jazz standards in a group setting. Emphasis is on establishing a repertoire, building skills in improvisation, and performance.
  • Rock Pop Ensemble

    The Rock Pop Ensemble offers an opportunity to write and perform existing rock/pop originals. Students explore repertoire drawn from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and beyond.
  • Sounds of the World Ensemble

    In the Sounds of the World Ensemble, students explore, connect, and engage cultures from different corners of the world through music composition and improvisation. Participating students have access to the many traditional instruments owned by the CSW Music Department. The experience culminates with an end-of-the-mod performance. 

The Recording Studio

CSW's state-of-the-art recording studio has several microphones in addition to a mixing board, computer, and racks with effects and interfaces. In courses like "Beat Making," and "Recording and Production," students have the ability to record and mix high quality, professional-grade audio, giving them hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and the creative freedom to produce original music, podcasts, and sound design projects from concept to final mix.

Where the Music Takes Us...

Alumni in Music

CSW musicians take their talents in bold and varied directions. Many continue their studies at top music institutions such as Berklee College of Music and Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where they deepen their craft and expand their creative horizons.

We've had alumni win Grammy Awards and perform on international stages, while others compose classical works, film scores, and commercial jingles that reach millions. Our graduates thrive as performers, producers, sound engineers, and songwriters, finding success in concert halls, studios, and media companies alike.

Read about our Rockstar Alums
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.