Music, B.A.

Saint Louis University awards a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in music performance or music studies. Students may play any instrument/voice and choose the music studies concentration. Only students whose primary area is piano or voice may choose the music performance concentration.

A Bachelor of Arts in Music enables SLU graduates to pursue further degrees in music performance, music education or musicology at other institutions. In addition, the music program offers performance and study opportunities for all interested SLU students through private lessons, studio classes, courses in music theory and literature and participation in ensembles.

SLU's music program is in Xavier Hall and contains classrooms, teaching studios, rehearsal spaces and practice rooms for enrolled music students. Every semester, the program presents concerts, recitals, lectures and masterclasses by guest artists, faculty and students. All concerts and recitals are free and open to the public.

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts is integral to Saint Louis University. In the arts, one finds truth, beauty and the celebration of God’s creation. Because the arts reflect the world around us, they provide an excellent opportunity to study humanity, aesthetics and cultural values together with theory and practice.

Program Highlights

• Double majoring in music is possible with most other majors at SLU.
• SLU will soon be an all-Steinway school, gradually replacing its old instruments with an armada of new Steinway pianos over the coming years.
• The voice area is Trans Voice Certified (TM).
• Popular performing ensembles accessible to the entire SLU community include the University Chorale, Mastersingers, String Orchestra, Concert Band, Pep Band and Jazz Ensemble.
• Additional performance opportunities for advanced student musicians include the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, Union Avenue Opera, Winter Opera St. Louis and the SLU Mass Choir.
• A short walk from campus brings students to venues such as the Fabulous Fox Theatre, Chaifetz Arena and Powell Hall, where students can listen to the world-class St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's music curriculum provides a solid background in theory, history as well as performance and participation in University vocal or instrumental groups. All classes, lessons and ensembles are open to the entire SLU community, regardless of major.

At the end of the second semester at SLU, students may select either the music performance or music studies concentration. Both options require a minimum of 40 credits in music courses for graduation. Both concentrations are identical in coursework except for the junior and senior years. Students pursuing the performance concentration work toward a junior and senior recital. Students pursuing the music studies concentration engage in research during their junior and senior years, culminating in a senior capstone presentation of that research.

Careers

The benefits of SLU's B.A. in music program include several career opportunities. During their time in the music program, students have found positions at summer music camps, interned at musical theatre and opera companies, worked in local box office venues, taught private lessons and performed in venues across St. Louis.

Graduates of the Saint Louis University music program have gone on to graduate study and careers in:

• Music management and business
• Music education
• Music performance
• Religious music programming
• Music therapy

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Auditions for Music Majors

The SLU music program accepts majors in the areas of voice and piano. All prospective music majors at SLU must audition for admission to the program. Admission to SLU's music program is based on musicianship, talent and background training.

Live or virtual auditions must be completed/submitted by March 1 to be considered for music scholarships. To schedule an audition, contact the department at arts@slu.edu.

Students who cannot audition on campus may also submit an audition via the Get Acceptd app.

Applicants admitted to the music program receive an award from the Father Guentner Fund, a renewable scholarship covering applied music lesson fees on the major instrument. Admitted applicants are also considered for the Music Talent Scholarship.

Please bring an updated list of the repertoire studied to the audition, as well as extra copies of the audition music. On the repertoire sheet, include titles, identifying opus numbers/keys, composers, significant technical studies, recent performances and teachers' names. This repertoire list may form part of a more complete student resume.

Pianists

Prepare two works from contrasting style periods (i.e., baroque, classical, romantic, impressionist, 20th century). The pieces played should be at least late-intermediate in difficulty, such as Bach Two-Part Inventions, Clementi sonatinas, and the Debussy Arabesques.

Singers

Prepare two contrasting selections from two of the categories below:

Standard musical theatre repertoire (from golden age to contemporary)
Standard classical repertoire (art song or aria in English, traditional folk song or spiritual)
Standard classical repertoire (art song or aria in a language other than English)

Songs must be performed from memory.

Instrumentalists

Prepare two selections in contrasting styles (i.e. one technical and the other lyrical).

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of standard techniques appropriate to the student’s instrument or voice in solo recitals and/or juries.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of standard techniques appropriate to the student’s instrument or voice in ensemble performance.
3. Graduates will be able to employ techniques specific to ensemble performance, including blending in a section, following direction and performance etiquette.
4. Graduates will be able to recognize, identify, and apply standard music theory elements including tonal harmony, counterpoint, voiceleading, nontonal harmony, and notation.
5. Graduates will be able to analyze tonal and nontonal music including that of the 20th century.
6. Graduates will be able to memorize basic facts related to music history and interpret music in relation to those facts.
7. Graduates will be able to demonstrate functional skills at the piano.

 Music students must complete a minimum total of 39-40 credits for the major.

¹

Many music majors may need to take Class Piano I and II (MUSC 1260 Class Piano I (1 cr) and MUSC 1270 Class Piano II (1 cr)) before enrolling in MUSC 2500 Class Piano III (1 cr) and MUSC 2510 Class Piano IV (1 cr). However, students with significant piano background may be able to test out of some or all of the piano classes leading to the proficiency exam. All music majors must pass the Piano Proficiency Exam, which is the final examination of MUSC 2510 Class Piano IV (1 cr), by the end of their junior year.

²

At least 6 credits must be from upper division (3000-level).

³

Four semesters of an ensemble are required for the degree. Ensemble participation is required every semester in order to maintain music scholarships.

Concentrations

Music Studies Concentration

Performance Concentration (Voice and Piano only)

Non-Course Requirements

Recital attendance. The Music Program presents numerous recitals, concerts, and other events each semester. Music minors are required to attend a minimum of three each semester. Music majors are required to attend at least 50% of all events presented by the Music Program. The exact number is determined by the Music faculty each semester and varies depending on how many events are scheduled. 

Continuation Standards

To maintain the Music major, students must:

• Enroll as at least a half-time student according to University guidelines, showing progress toward the B.A. degree in both core and music courses.
• Complete all music courses with a grade of C or higher in order to count for the major.
• Successfully complete recital attendance requirements each semester.
• Perform on at least one student recital each semester.

Students studying abroad or involved in a SLU-approved internship requiring them to enroll for less than half-time will be exempted from the on-campus requirements for ensembles, recitals, and recital attendance for the duration of their study abroad or internship.

Students failing to meet the criteria listed above will be on probation in the music program. A student may remain on probation for no more than two consecutive semesters and a student may not be on probation for more than three semesters total and remain a major. Remaining on probation longer may result in the loss of Music scholarships and/or removal from the program. A student will be removed from probation after one semester of successful completion of the criteria above. 

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Music Performance Concentration

¹

Recital attendance required each semester student is enrolled as a music major.

²

Four semesters of performance ensemble are required for the degree. Ensemble participation is required in order to maintain a music scholarship, if applicable.

³

Ten credits of applied music are required; at least 6 credits must be 3000-level.

Note: A student may choose to study abroad. If this option is elected, it is recommended that the student study abroad in their sixth semester. In this case, the advisor, mentor and student will work together to make sure the student is able to complete all requirements.

Music Studies Concentration

¹

Recital attendance required each semester student is enrolled as a music major.

²

Four semesters of performance ensemble are required for the degree. Ensemble participation is required in order to maintain a music scholarship, if applicable.

³

Ten credits of applied music are required; at least 6 credits must be 3000-level.

 Note: A student may choose to study abroad. If this option is elected, it is recommended that the student study abroad in their sixth semester. In this case, the advisor, mentor and student will work together to make sure the student is able to complete all requirements.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

• Music, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)

For additional information about this program, please contact arts@slu.edu or call 314-977-2410.