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.
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
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.