At Saint Vincent College, the Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance is more than a degree—it’s a journey of artistic growth, personal expression, and musical excellence. Intended for performers of organ, piano, or voice, this program is designed for highly motivated students with a deep commitment to their instrument and a drive to refine their talent through focused, dedicated practice. Performance majors are at the heart of our musical community, taking on leadership roles in our instrumental and choral ensembles and stepping into the spotlight as soloists. With frequent on-campus concerts and recitals, students have ample opportunities to share their artistry and gain real-world performance experience. The program culminates in a senior recital—a showcase of each student’s technical mastery and artistic voice.
Students applying to the music performance major must demonstrate sufficient experience on their instrument. Admittance to the major is by in-person or video audition. Email Laura Knoop Very, Music Coordinator, for more information: laura.very@stvincent.edu.
Music performance 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.
Students pursuing a degree in music performance prepare for a career as a professional artist but may also wish to explore other professional opportunities, including private instruction, arts administration and management, and other roles within the music industry. Students can also continue their studies through graduate-level programs at other institutions.
Alumni will go on to successful careers as:
The music performance 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.
Required each semester (32 credits):
MU 090, Recital Attendance, 0
MU 525, Applied Lessons, 4
(4 credits for 8 semesters or a total of 32 credits)
Required courses (27 credits):
MU 108, Music History I, 3
MU 109, Music History II, 3
MU 106, World Music, 3
OR
MU 112, Music Theater History, 3
MU 205, Aural Skills I, 3
MU 206, Aural Skills II, 3
MU 208, Harmony I and Keyboard, 3
MU 209, Harmony II and Keyboard, 3
MU 220, Form and Analysis and Keyboard, 3
MU 330, Junior Recital, 1
MU 430, Senior Recital, 2
Any combination of ensembles selected from (8 credits):
MU172, Concert Band, 1
MU175, Jazz Ensemble, 1
MU180, Saint Vincent College Singers, 1
MU182, Opera Workshop, 1
AR 158, Music Theater Production, 1
Take one elective course (3 credits):
MU 243, Music Technology, 3
AR 125, Acting I, 3
AR 215, Acting II, 3
MU 106, World Music, 3
MU 112, Music Theater History, 3
Additional requirements for voice majors (2 credits):
MU 317, Diction I: Italian and English, 1
MU 318, Diction II: German and French, 1
Applied Lessons
Students receive personalized, one-on-one instruction focused on mastering repertoire selected to deepen their understanding of technique and musical interpretation within the standard canon.
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.
Music History I
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.
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.
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 (not limited to music majors and minors) 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.
