Orchestra group playing music

Music Performance

Hone your craft. Music performance at the University of St. Thomas offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare you for a career in the performing arts. Throughout your undergraduate career, you develop a deep appreciation for diverse cultural and artistic traditions, engaging with faculty in their scholarship along the way.

Why Study Music Performance at St. Thomas?

Throughout our program, you become a better performer while engaging with and adapting to various artistic settings. You develop needed entrepreneurial skills to navigate a career as a performer and a vast knowledge of music creation at the same time. Our graduates have gone on to lead successful performance and teaching careers, and some are pursuing advanced degrees as well. You will enhance your musical skills and theoretical knowledge with the help of our renowned faculty and in the company of your accomplished peers.

Confident and Nimble

  • Course Requirements
  • Auditions
  • Four-Year Major Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Ensembles
  • Course Requirements

    In addition to performing in various ensembles throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will dive deep into courses focusing on music theory, entrepreneurship, music media, the history and literature of music and more. You create a bond with faculty inside and outside of the classroom, nurturing and challenging your creative and intellectual capabilities through your interactions.

    Auditions

    You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music performance 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.

    Four-Year Major Plan

    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.

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Music in Music Performance

    Certificate in Music Performance

    Ensembles

    You have the opportunity to hone your craft through a variety of solo and ensemble performance opportunities. For example, you can audition to perform a concerto accompanied by a professional orchestra as part of our Festival Orchestra program. We host special events on-campus each year, and you have access to a vibrant arts scene in the Twin Cities as well. There are international touring opportunities available too.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    In addition to performing in various ensembles throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will dive deep into courses focusing on music theory, entrepreneurship, music media, the history and literature of music and more. You create a bond with faculty inside and outside of the classroom, nurturing and challenging your creative and intellectual capabilities through your interactions.

    Auditions

    Auditions

    You will need to submit an audition video if you plan to major in music performance 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.

    Four-Year Major Plan

    Four-Year Major Plan

    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.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Bachelor of Music in Music Performance

    Certificate in Music Performance

    Ensembles

    Ensembles

    You have the opportunity to hone your craft through a variety of solo and ensemble performance opportunities. For example, you can audition to perform a concerto accompanied by a professional orchestra as part of our Festival Orchestra program. We host special events on-campus each year, and you have access to a vibrant arts scene in the Twin Cities as well. There are international touring opportunities available too.

    Student holding a violin

    Career Paths

    Our program will prepare you for a fulfilling career in various industries with academic knowledge and practical skills.

    • Freelance musician
    • Private studio teacher
    • Director of music liturgy
    • Professional studio recording artist
    • Professional instrumental performer

    Scholarships

    We offer renewable competitive and performance-based scholarships for four years of study at St. Thomas.

    Music Major Scholarship

    The Music Major Scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,000 per year. Admitted students planning to major in music, music performance, music business or music education are encouraged to apply. Supporting materials are due by February 1, and selected applicants receive an audition invitation for the scholarship invitational in the spring.

    Loftus Family Alternative Music Creativity Award

    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.

    Mary O. Petra Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Music

    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.

    Unique Opportunities

    You will enhance your musical skills and theoretical knowledge with our top-of-the-line instruments, and through interactions with our renowned faculty and your accomplished peers.

    4

    We have four organs on-campus, including the spectacular Gabriel Kney organ.

    Collaboration

    Interact and collaborate with national musical arts organizations in the Twin Cities.

    Over 100

    Over 100 new works have been commissioned in the last 25 years by St. Thomas students and faculty.

    Get Involved

    Whether you are a member of one of our many ensembles or engaging the community in service, you will find we have a variety of ways to get involved at St. Thomas.

    You can perform at great venues such as the Minneapolis Orchestra Hall, Ordway Arts Center and more.

    We bring music to underserved communities as part of our commitment to community service.

    You can perform in world music ensembles such as the Indonesian Gamelan Ensemble or African Music Ensemble.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere 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.