School of Music

1881—Formal music instruction offered for the first time

In 1881, five students enrolled in piano and organ lessons offered by Minnie C. Langdon in the “Department of Musical Instruction.” In the next year, the department expanded under the direction of John P.D. John, Professor of Mathematics, who also taught music theory, conducted the chorus, and later became President of the university. Other instructors in the department included: Professor of Physics John B. DeMotte, conductor of the orchestra, and professor of pipe organ and the “theory of sound”; Orra P. John, voice; Ella Earp, piano; Carrie Weik, organ; and Aldolph Schellschmidt, orchestral instruments. Students who registered for private lessons paid a fee of $10 for each 10-week term, $3 for weekly music theory classes, and $2 for biweekly chorus rehearsals.