Music reveals so much about life, emotion and human nature to us. Music at the University of St. Thomas is an interdisciplinary and hands-on program focused on enhancing your musical talents, knowledge of music theory and music's impact on society in multiple ways.
You study a diverse range of concepts in our program, including music performance, history, theory, pedagogy, its role in society and global music. You also engage in private vocal, instrumental or composition lessons, and further foster your talents in piano skills courses, ensembles and more. Our graduates have gone on to pursue a variety of career paths, such as continuing their education in graduate music programs and teaching private music lessons.
You complete courses in piano and aural skills, music theory, music media, performance studies, ensembles, conducting, history, literature and entrepreneurship. You will also perform in two recitals during your college career. The best part? You choose your electives based on your particular area of musical interest.
You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music at St. Thomas. The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. Incoming students are also considered for a music major scholarship if they submit their audition video by February 1.
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas. You can find a sample four-year plan via the link below.
Music majors are engaged in the community through a wide variety of internships, ensembles, international travel and the department’s Harmony Crew program. They perform at facilities serving traditionally marginalized communities. We also see students participate in research with the Collaborative Inquiry and Young Scholars grants.
You complete courses in piano and aural skills, music theory, music media, performance studies, ensembles, conducting, history, literature and entrepreneurship. You will also perform in two recitals during your college career. The best part? You choose your electives based on your particular area of musical interest.
You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music at St. Thomas. The audition should include up to 10 minutes of music showcasing at least two compositions or movements of contrasting style in one continuous video. Incoming students are also considered for a music major scholarship if they submit their audition video by February 1.
We recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas. You can find a sample four-year plan via the link below.
Music majors are engaged in the community through a wide variety of internships, ensembles, international travel and the department’s Harmony Crew program. They perform at facilities serving traditionally marginalized communities. We also see students participate in research with the Collaborative Inquiry and Young Scholars grants.
Faculty are your mentors and teachers. Alumni are here to help you connect with the world outside of St. Thomas. Your peers? They will push you to further your skills and knowledge.
Pianist Michael Zocchi has been a classical and jazz performer and instructor on the East coast as well as the Midwest for over three decades. His knowledge of theory, composition and music cognition informs his approach to teaching musical structure.
Josh graduated in 2010 with a double major in music and philosophy, and went on to complete his master’s degree and PhD in music composition. He holds adjunct faculty positions at St. Thomas and the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, and publishes his music through Fred Bock Music. His compositional awards include the 2010 Jerome Fund for New Music from the American Composers Forum and the 2015 award for best composition in Vocal Essence’s Welcome Christmas national carol contest
Madison is a testament to the benefits of a double major in music. Madison is an excellent musician, who has enjoyed many performance opportunities with the St. Thomas Festival Orchestra and String Orchestra as well. She is double majoring in actuarial science while being an advocate for the Music Department on trips to perform for friends of the university and donors.
Our program will prepare you for a fulfilling career with academic knowledge and practical skills sought after by employers in a range of industries.
We offer renewable competitive and performance-based scholarships for four years of study at St. Thomas. More information is on our department website.
This award is available to any current St. Thomas student demonstrating great potential in their ability to instigate and sustain artistic creativity through music performance, composition or production. Music faculty can nominate any candidate.
This scholarship is available to any current St. Thomas student pursuing a major or minor in music. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Music faculty can nominate candidates, and students participating in ensembles receive preference.
Dr. Pinsonneault is the director of choral activities, and he conducts the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir.
Dr. Cornett-Murtada is the director of keyboard studies, and teaches piano and piano pedagogy courses.
Dr. Kachian serves as the program adviser for guitar studies and leads the small guitar ensemble.
Our program prepares you for what comes after St. Thomas through our acclaimed faculty and openness to multiple musical styles.
Our renowned faculty lead all classes and lessons with their students.
Ensembles have numerous international travel opportunities throughout a student’s college career at St. Thomas.
We welcome all genres and styles of music in our department.
Our program not only prepares you for recitals throughout your time at St. Thomas, but we also offer opportunities to get out and see other parts of the world as part of our ensembles.
Do you want to see another side of the world? There are numerous international travel opportunities for the ensembles at the university throughout your college career. Our most recent destinations include Morocco, Portugal and the Vatican in Rome.
With the help of professors, you will prepare for two recitals throughout your time at St. Thomas.
The Guitar Ensemble studies, performs and records music for multiple guitars and bass from Renaissance through 20th century composers, including American jazz and rock styles.
We offer a Gamelan Ensemble, a traditional Indonesian percussion group that performs each year on-campus.
The Piano Ensemble is a unique opportunity for students to explore the treasures of two-piano and piano duet repertoire.
Music at St. Thomas focuses on educating the whole student, making them a better musician and a versatile professional in the process. Our students graduate with a practical skill set that allows them to pursue multiple career paths.
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.