SLU Music Program
Saint Louis University's undergraduate degree program in music provides a solid background in music theory, history and performance and 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.
Music Degree Programs
Admittance as a Music Major
The music program offers a B.A. degree in music in the areas of voice and piano. All prospective music majors must 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.
You have three options to submit an audition.
- You may arrange an on-campus audition by contacting Music Program Director Aaron Johnson, D.M.A., at aaron.johnson@slu.edu.
- You may submit an audition via a file-sharing service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Please contact Music Program Director Aaron Johnson, D.M.A., aaron.johnson@slu.edu to arrange this option.
- You may submit a videotaped/digital audition via the Acceptd website. Acceptd will notify us if you do so. For Acceptd access, click on the button below.
Digitally submitted auditions should not be edited or enhanced with reverb or other effects.
Audition Requirements
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's Two-Part Inventions, Clementi sonatinas, and the Debussy Arabesques.
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.
Applicants must complete the music major entrance audition before March 1 to be considered for music scholarships.
Music Scholarships at SLU
All music majors are eligible for music scholarships. The scholarship audition is combined with the admission audition.
The Music Talent Scholarship is awarded to music majors solely based on performing ability and promise as determined by full-time faculty. Talent scholarships are renewable annually. This award is open only to music majors.
All Music Talent Scholarship 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 in at least one Friday afternoon student recital per semester
- Departmental service
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all music coursework
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 Scholarship 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 in at least one Friday afternoon student recital per semester
- Departmental service
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all music coursework
When I was choosing an undergraduate school to go to, I knew I wanted to pursue a music minor. Surprisingly, it's not common! SLU was probably the only school that offered a music minor and not just a major (which I didn't think I could do with my pre-med major). It's truly a very special program.
Rubina Thomas, Class of 2023
Program Mission Statement
The Music Program at Saint Louis University provides musical education, training, and performance opportunities that enable students to become skilled, intelligent and engaged life-long musicians and contributors to the cultural life of their communities.