Saint Louis University's undergraduate degree program in music provides you with a solid background in music theory, history and performance, as well as the opportunity to participate in SLU's vocal or instrumental groups.
In addition to the major and minor, all classes, lessons and ensembles are open to
all SLU students.
Applied Music: Private Study
The music program offers private lessons in voice, piano, guitar and most orchestral instruments at all levels. A fee of $325 per credit hour is applied to all sections of Applied Music.
Music Degree Programs
Admittance to the Music Program as a Music Major
The Music Program offers a BA degree in Music in the areas of voice and piano. All prospective music majors must successfully pass an entrance audition before being permitted to declare the music major. In the audition, prospective students will demonstrate minimum competencies in ability and technique in voice or piano.
To arrange an on-campus audition, contact the Music Program Director Dr. Aaron Johnson at aaron.johnson@slu.edu. If you are unable to audition on campus, you may submit a videotaped/digital audition via Acceptd.
Digitally submitted auditions should not be edited or enhanced with reverb or other effects.
In order to be considered for music scholarships, the music major entrance audition must be completed before March 1.
Audition Requirements for the Music Major
Pianists
Prepare two memorized works from contrasting style periods (i.e., Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, 20th Century). The pieces played should be at least late-intermediate level in difficulty, such as Bach Two-Part Inventions, Clementi sonatinas, and the Debussy Arabesques.
Vocalists
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.
Music Scholarships at SLU
All music majors are eligible for music scholarships. The scholarship audition is combined with the admission audition.
Music Scholarship Talent Award
The Music Talent scholarship is awarded to music majors solely on the basis of performing ability and promise as determined by full-time faculty. Talent scholarships are renewable annually. This award is open only to music majors.
Father Guentner Scholarship Award
The Father Guentner Scholarship is awarded to music majors to cover the fees attached to applied music lessons required for the degree. This award is open only to music majors.
All music talent scholarships and Guentner Award recipients must meet the following requirements for annual renewal:
- Successful audition
- Formal declaration of a music major with the College of Arts and Sciences
- Membership in an ensemble each semester
- Steady progress toward the degree
- Attend a minimum number of Music Program recitals, concerts and events each semester
- Performance on at least one Friday afternoon student recital per semester
- Departmental service
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all music course work
Frequently Asked Questions
SLU has four full-time and 20 adjunct music faculty members, with approximately 25 music majors and 40 music minors. In addition, every semester more than 350 students from around the University are enrolled in music ensembles, classes and lessons.
Yes, many of our music majors have another major as well. The study of music partners well with many other areas of study. The Bachelor of Arts curriculum was devised to make it easy to major or minor in another subject.
All SLU music faculty are working professionals in St. Louis and beyond. Their many connections allow them to help students find internships or part-time work in almost any area of music. In the past students have been interns at the St. Louis Symphony, Union Avenue Opera, and the Muny.