The Music Department educates music majors in the university setting through a music major and professional programs in Choral and Instrumental Music Education. Music majors should attain an understanding of the historical, theoretical, pedagogical and cultural principles which have contributed to the art music tradition, as well as competence in performance. The department educates all students (music majors/minors and the general student of any major), both individually and collaboratively, through appropriate courses in:

• Music history, theory, and appreciation
• Applied instrumental, and vocal instruction
• Choral and instrumental ensembles

The Music Department seeks to shape “an integrative environment for learning which stresses intellectual challenge, open inquiry, collaborative scholarship and artistic creativity.” (CSB/SJU Coordinate Mission Statement).

As a faculty, we want to create this environment by:

1. broadening and deepening the knowledge and understanding of all aspects of music through research and publication, and
2. enriching the lives of students, faculty, and communities – on both the national and international level – with performances of a wide variety of music.

The excellence, authenticity, and originality of these performances will also serve as models for future performances by students and provide a basis for developing informed and critical listening skills.

Applied music students will be able to satisfactorily perform appropriate literature. 

Student ensembles will satisfactorily perform music at levels appropriate to the ensembles’ course descriptions.

Students will understand and apply the musical elements of melody, harmony, and rhythm as evidenced in an evolving historical context.

Students will learn to understand music in various traditions.

Students will understand strategies for conducting, teaching, and performing.