SLU Music Program

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. Most music classes also fulfill the College of Arts and Science’s fine arts core requirement.

Music Degree Programs

Applied Music: Private Study

The music program offers private lessons in voice, piano, guitar and most orchestral instruments at all levels. An additional fee is attached to the weekly lessons, taught by active artist performers.

Music Scholarships at SLU

Music scholarships at SLU are awarded by audition only. The scholarship audition may be combined with the admission audition and should consist of several contrasting classical musical compositions.

On-campus auditions are held in November and February. For current audition dates and times, email arts@slu.edu. If you are unable to audition on campus, you may submit a videotaped/digital audition via Acceptd.

Submit a Digital Audition

Music Scholarship Talent Award

Talent scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of performing ability or promise as determined by full-time faculty. Talent scholarships are awarded to new majors and 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.

Ensemble Leadership Award

The Ensemble Leadership Award is available to all students who are members of University Ensembles. These small tuition awards are given at the discretion of the ensemble directors each semester. This award is open to music majors and non-majors enrolled in the Mastersingers, String Orchestra, University Chorale, Concert Band, guitar and piano ensembles and Jazz Ensemble.

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
Enrollment in MUSC 2000: Recital Attendance each semester
Performance on at least one Friday afternoon student recital per semester
Departmental service
Maintenance of a GPA of "B" or higher

Frequently Asked Questions

How large is SLU's music department?

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.

Is it possible to double-major in music and another field?

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.

Are there internship opportunities?

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.

Is it possible to be involved with other extracurricular activities outside music?

Yes. SLU music students often participate in the Student Government Association, Greek Life, and service-learning communities, such as Micah House. Music students are also members of student-led groups including the SLU Music Honor Society, Forte, and a cappella groups including Astha, the Bare Naked Statues, Beyond All Reason and Decadence. Music is a major time commitment, but students should also nurture other aspects of life and the college experience.

Can I continue my involvement with music at SLU even if I am not a music major?

Yes. The SLU music program’s private lessons, classes and ensembles are open to all students regardless of major. In keeping with our liberal arts tradition, we want all students, whether or not they are aiming for professional music careers, to explore and continue their musical learning.

Do music classes count toward the College of Arts and Sciences Core requirements?

Yes, almost all music classes will count toward the three-credit fine arts requirement.

Do I have to major in music to be in the ensembles? What about auditions?

No, all interested and qualified SLU students, staff and faculty are welcome in the following vocal and instrumental ensembles. Learn more about SLU ensembles.

Can I take private lessons at SLU?

Yes, all SLU students may take private lessons in voice, piano, guitar and most orchestral instruments at all levels. An extra fee per credit hour, in addition to tuition, is charged for these courses. Applied music lessons (MUSC 2010 and MUSC 2100) are listed in the course catalog along with the rest of the music courses, and can be taken for one to two credit hours. An additional fee ($325 per credit hour) is attached to the weekly lessons, taught by active artist performers.

Does SLU's music program have practice rooms or rehearsal spaces available for student use?

Due to limited space, practice rooms are available only to SLU students currently enrolled in private lessons for college credit. Some general classrooms in Xavier Hall with pianos are available for recreational or student-led group use, but must be booked in advance.

Is St. Louis a good city for music?

St. Louis is an active city for both amateur and professional music-making. There are numerous music venues of various shapes and sizes in the St. Louis area. We have access to all of them. Students can walk to Jazz at the Bistro, the St. Louis Symphony, the Fox Theatre and Sheldon Concert Hall.