Program Overview

Music Performance Program at Xavier University

The Music Program is committed to the advancement of knowledge through the study of music as an art and a science. This study encompasses music theory, music history, pedagogy, esthetics, music education, and an extensive list of applied music opportunities. Students go on to hold positions as music teachers for all ages in schools, organists and choir directors, performers, private studio music instructors, and many roles in arts organizations and businesses.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music with a concentration in Music Performance is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as performing artists. The program is tailored to meet professional aspirations, whether in music, education, or other fields.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• Private lessons in various instruments, including bassoon, cello, clarinet, composition, double bass, flute, French horn, guitar, harp, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, rap, saxophone, songwriting, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, and voice.
• Ensemble opportunities, such as Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra.
• Courses in music theory, music history, and aural skills.
• Electives in areas such as electronic music, music production, and musical theatre.

Sample Course Sequence

The sample course sequence for the Music Performance major includes:

• First Year:
  • Fall: MUSC 199: Recital Attendance, MUSC 200: Music Theory I, MUSC 201: Aural Skills I, MUSC 208: Keyboard Skills I, Private Lesson I, Large Ensemble I, CORE 100: First-Year Seminar, CORE 101: First-Year Co-Curricular Passport, ENGL 101 or ENGL 115, Second Language Elective I.
  • Spring: MUSC 199: Recital Attendance, MUSC 202: Music Theory II, MUSC 203: Aural Skills II, MUSC 209: Keyboard Skills II, Private Lesson II, Large Ensemble II, CORE 102: First-Year Co-Curricular Passport, Second Language Elective II, PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy, THEO 111: Theological Foundations.
• Sophomore Year:
  • Fall: MUSC 199: Recital Attendance, MUSC 210: Music History I, MUSC 300: Music Theory III, MUSC 301: Aural Skills III, Private Lesson III, Large Ensemble III, Scientific Perspectives, ERS Elective.
  • Spring: MUSC 199: Recital Attendance, MUSC 211: Music History II, MUSC 303: Aural Skills IV, Private Lesson IV, Large Ensemble IV, Mathematical Perspectives, Natural Science Elective, Free Elective.
• Junior Year:
  • Fall: MUSC 199: Recital Attendance, MUSC 127: Electronic Music, Private Lesson V, Large Ensemble V, Theological Perspectives, ENGL/CLAS/SPAN 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination, Free Elective.
  • Spring: MUSC 199: Recital Attendance, Private Lesson VI, Large Ensemble VI, Free Elective, Free Elective, Free Elective, Free Elective.
• Senior Year:
  • Fall: Philosophical Perspectives, Free Elective, Free Elective, Free Elective, Free Elective.
  • Spring: Historical Perspectives, Social Science Elective, Free Elective, Free Elective, Free Elective.

Outcomes

98 percent of Xavier students are working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023). Xavier music graduates have gone on to diverse positions and employers, including music educator, private music studio instructor, university professor, performer in local bands, sales, professional recording equipment, member of the United States Army Band, Cincinnati Opera, Nashville music industry, public health administrator, Teach for America, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Montessori and special education teachers, physician, registered nurse, or other medical professional.

Sample Courses

• Private Lessons (MUSC 276-299): 6 hours of private music lessons in various instruments.
• Performing Ensembles (MUSC 260-271): Ensemble opportunities, including Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra.
• Electronic Music (MUSC 127): Introduction to the hardware and software used in electronic music production.
• Aural Skills I (MUSC 201): Development of the ability to read at sight diatonic progressions and identify and notate intervals, scale degrees, tonal relationships, and simple rhythms.

Clubs

• A caBellas and Harmon-X: Bringing joy through acapella music to the community on and off Xavier's campus.
• American Choral Directors Association: Providing meaningful experiences for Xavier students in the art of choral music.

Related Programs

• Related Majors: BA in Digital Innovation, Film and Television, BA in Musical Theatre, BA in Music Production, BA in Theatre.
• Related Minors: Arts Administration, Digital Innovation, Film and Television, Music Production, Music Performance, Music Studies, Musical Theatre, Theatre.

Program Features

• Master your craft: Private lessons in various instruments.
• Broaden your musical horizons: Numerous musical clubs and organizations on campus.
• Ensemble Opportunities: Learn from expert faculty and perform with purpose.
• Music Faculty: Personalized instruction from accomplished faculty.
• Perform with purpose: Rooted in Jesuit values, empowering musicians to use their talents to inspire, engage, and serve the world.
• Explore: Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, with access to internships, performances, and partnerships with local arts organizations.