Eleanor Rodes '25 has been immersed in music for much of her life, drawn to the deep history and storytelling power of ballads and folk music. She first discovered her love for singing at nine years old, captivated by the narratives woven into traditional songs. That early passion led her to the archives of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. While still in high school, Rodes worked on projects researching New England folk music collectors Helen Hartness Flanders and Eloise Linscott.

“In 2020 I received the Library of Congress' Henry Reed Fund award, which allowed me to spend my gap year studying the collection of Ozarks ballad singer Emma Dusenbury,” explains Rodes.

By the time she arrived at Swarthmore, Rodes already knew that her academic journey would center around musicology and folklore. What drew her to Swarthmore was the flexibility to pursue both the academic and performance aspects of music, as well as the ability to craft an independent major. Her special major in Music, Oral Narrative, and Social Context has allowed her to bridge her interests in folklore, early music, and archival research, drawing from multiple disciplines across the college.

Designing her major was a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. “It was definitely a little bit complicated to get it all worked out,” she says, “but it was wonderful to be able to build on my interests through independent studies and tie in courses from the English and broader humanities departments.”

Throughout her time at Swarthmore, Rodes has been deeply involved in the music department, particularly through vocal performance. One of the defining aspects of her musical journey has been her participation in Critical Mass, the college’s Medieval and Early Music vocal ensemble, which she has been part of for most of her time here. “It’s been an incredible experience,” she says. “It’s my favorite group that I’ve ever been in.” She was especially excited to see it become an official ensemble this year.

Beyond early music, Rodes has spent years studying and performing American, English, Scottish, and Irish ballads while also developing a love for operatic music. “It’s been amazing to have such a broad variety of musical experiences here—through lessons, ensembles, and coursework.”

Outside of music, Rodes values the strong sense of community at Swarthmore. “I like that it’s a small campus where you get to know so many people, and the professors are all passionate about what they teach,” she reflects. “The discussions in class are always engaging, and I’ve met a lot of really thoughtful and dedicated students.”

This semester, Rodes is focusing on her senior comprehensive project, which centers on the English composer John Dowland and his lute songs from the late 1500s and early 1600s. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year before pursuing graduate studies, either in Library and Information Science or a folklore program.

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Favorite music course at Swarthmore?
"Music, Sound, and Place in Gothic Europe" with Professor James Blasina — it was incredible, especially because it had a travel component where we got to visit the places we studied."

Favorite music-making experience at Swarthmore?
"Singing with two other members of Critical Mass in churches and cathedrals during our trip — it was such a special experience."

What will you miss most about Swarthmore?
"To be honest, the campus. It’s really beautiful."

What sound or noise do you love?
"The sound of a medieval harp — it’s beautiful and it’s not often that I hear it."

What sound or noise do you hate?
"The buzzing of insects."

What’s the last song or piece you played on your phone?
"’Come Heavy Sleep’ by John Dowland which I am learning for my comprehensive."