The Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies at Saint Vincent College is designed for students who are passionate about music but also eager to explore other academic interests. This flexible program offers many of the same enriching experiences as the music performance major—such as ensemble participation and private instruction—while allowing room to pursue a second major or minor in another field.
Students audition on piano, organ, or voice for admission to the program and remain active in Saint Vincent’s ensemble community. In their senior year, music studies majors choose between presenting a recital or completing a capstone project in a related area, tailoring their final experience to their unique goals. Students pursuing a degree in music studies prepare for a variety of careers in music or related fields including private instruction, arts administration/management, and other branches of the music industry.
The music studies major at Saint Vincent College is designed with flexibility in mind, making it an ideal choice for students who want to pair their passion for music with another area of interest. Many students choose to double major or add a minor in fields like marketing, communications, theology, or business management. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens their skill set but also prepares them to thrive in the music industry with a deeper understanding of the people, cultures, and systems that shape it.
Music studies majors at Saint Vincent College build a strong foundation in music theory, history, and solfeggio, ensuring they graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. All music majors also study piano and must pass a proficiency exam prior to graduation, reinforcing their versatility and musicianship.
In addition to academic study, students develop advanced technical and artistic ability on their primary instrument. They engage in professional-level practices such as performance preparation, effective practice techniques, and career planning—skills essential for success in the competitive world of music performance.
Music majors actively participate in a variety of ensembles through the Department of Music and Performing Arts. These groups offer valuable performance experience and foster a strong sense of musical community. Learn more about current ensemble offerings.
Music performance students can broaden their experience by participating in band ensembles like the SVC Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pep Band. They can also explore theater through the Saint Vincent College Players, The Company (student-run musical theater), and The Troupe, which stages classic works by English playwrights.
Alumni will go on to successful careers as
The music studies major is part of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
Music Studies Major Requirements (48 credits):
Required each semester (16 credits):
Required courses (26 credits):
Any combination of ensembles selected from (8 credits):
Take two elective courses (6 credits):
Additional requirements for voice majors (2 credits):
Music History
Students explore the foundations of Western music history through focused listening and analysis, gaining insight into the music and culture of both the past and present.
Music Appreciation
Students will discover the rich world of music from Western Europe and global traditions—often called "Classical" and "World" music. You'll learn how to listen closely, talk about music’s meaning, and understand its role in different cultures and historical periods, from Medieval to Modern.
Harmony I and Keyboard
Students are introduced to fundamental music theory concepts such as tonality, voice leading, and analysis to develop a deeper understanding that supports both practice and performance.
The theater in the Robert S. Carey Student Center is a historic proscenium theater with an extended apron for intimate seating and modern practices. It offers continental seating and accommodates around 450 people, with 329 seats on the lower level and the rest in the mezzanine.
The Saint Vincent Basilica, completed in 1905, is renowned for its acoustic perfection, featuring a natural six-second sound delay. It serves as a daily gathering place for the Saint Vincent community for prayer, special masses, and baccalaureate celebrations. The basilica also hosts musical recitals, particularly during the holidays, and frequently features concerts as part of the Saint Vincent College Concert Series, showcasing world-class musicians and a variety of musical genres.
Students of music have access to seven music practice rooms located in the music department in the Robert S. Carey Student Center.
Located in the Saint Vincent Basilica, our custom-built Buzard organ features 72 ranks and 51 stops, offering music majors a rich, hands-on experience in both performance and sacred music.
Interested in studying music at Saint Vincent College? Contact Laura Knoop Very, Music Coordinator, at laura.very@stvincent.edu to:
Gabriel Burda Memorial Music Scholarship
Students auditioning for admission to the music major will automatically be considered for the Gabriel Burda Memorial Music Scholarship. This scholarship is worth $4,000 per year for up to four years as long as the recipient makes sufficient progress towards their degree and remains in good academic standing. Students can express interest in applying for this scholarship when scheduling their audition for admittance to the major. The announcement of the scholarship recipient is made separately from notification of acceptance to the major.
Marching Band and Choir Scholarships
The Saint Vincent Marching Band and Saint Vincent Singers enrich our community by performing at athletic and academic events. We are pleased to offer a limited number of $1,000 renewable scholarships to incoming freshmen who commit to participating in the Saint Vincent Marching Band or Saint Vincent Singers. A deadline to apply for these scholarships is announced in the spring. Interested students should contact Dr. Sean Durkin (marching band), sean.durkin@stvincent.edu, or Laura Knoop Very (choir), laura.very@stvincent.edu for more information.
