It has gotten to be a little more complicated than hitting the “record” button. The recording arts minor at the University of St. Thomas develops your understanding of modern advances in recording hardware and software, preparing you for a career in the fast-paced music industry.
Our program sets you up for success in the modern media marketplace by teaching you invaluable skills in recording, production and business. Our program teaches you through a hands-on learning approach to utilize a number of recording and mixing techniques, ultimately understanding the music composition and songwriting processes.
You take a blend of courses focusing on a variety of topics, including songwriting, music composition, mixing, studio recording and music business. You also explore the diverse roots of several music genres and their evolution from then to now.
You can pair this minor with a number of other programs, so 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.
Minor in Recording Arts
Recording arts minors have an abundance of internships available to them. Our students have interned with companies like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, iHeartMedia, Periscope Management and Paradigm Artists. You will work closely with faculty on finding an internship that suits your interests.
You take a blend of courses focusing on a variety of topics, including songwriting, music composition, mixing, studio recording and music business. You also explore the diverse roots of several music genres and their evolution from then to now.
You can pair this minor with a number of other programs, so 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.
Minor in Recording Arts
Recording arts minors have an abundance of internships available to them. Our students have interned with companies like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, iHeartMedia, Periscope Management and Paradigm Artists. You will work closely with faculty on finding an internship that suits your interests.
Faculty are not just your teachers, they are your mentors. Alumni want to help you build your network. Your peers will challenge you to deepen your musical and business knowledge.
Brian is a multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, producer and recipient of the 2012 ASCAP Film and TV Music award. He is creative director and senior composer at In the Groove Music, a commercial and television music house. He has composed for dozens of national campaigns and brands, including ESPN, BMW, Coca-Cola, Enterprise Rental Car and HealthPartners. He has worked with artists like Blue Blazer, Man is Doomed, Becky Sheehan and Glorious Monster.
Holly led the St. Thomas radio station KUST and created the UST Sampler, a compilation of music composed and performed by Tommies. She collaborated with the Music Industry Club to promote and produce the UST Sampler Release Concert, featuring live performances from the artists on the Sampler each year.
Nick knew he wanted to be a recording and performing artist, and was motivated to learn to write and produce his own music. He chose to pursue a recording arts minor, arming himself with invaluable skills and experience. He composed and produced an EP of original songs, receiving critical acclaim and features from City Pages and 89.3 The Current. He won both the Best R&B Performer award by City Pages and the Star Tribune’s “Are You Local?” award too.
We will provide you with the academic knowledge and practical skills to be successful in a variety of careers after graduation.
We offer renewable competitive and performance-based scholarships for four years of study at St. Thomas.
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.
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. Cole leads music industry studies at St. Thomas, as well as the recording arts minor.
Brian focuses on songwriting and composition, while also teaching courses on music media.
A recording arts minor from the University of St. Thomas cultivates your knowledge of the inner workings of the music industry, setting you up for long-term success in the field.
You complete courses in recording, production, songwriting and music business.
Faculty are winning awards and innovating in the field.
You build your own portfolio of original compositions and productions.
Our students have unique opportunities to see another side of the music industry they have never seen before.
The Music Industry Club traveled to Austin to be a part of the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival.
Each year, KUST hosts a sampler release party featuring a mix of music from a diverse array of genres.
Whether it is your internship or one-on-one interactions with professors, our program prepares you with a variety of tools needed in the modern workplace.
We offer a recording studio to let you deepen your knowledge of the composition and production processes involved in the music industry.
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.