Courses of Study

We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with emphases in Performance, Music Theory and Composition, and Music History. Our curriculum includes a broad range of courses, from early chant to cutting edge modern music, symphonic, choral, chamber and solo performance, world music, computer music, sound art, and innovative interdisciplinary courses exploring music in relation to politics, art, literature, religion and cultural studies. Within the context of a liberal arts institution, music students receive a broad training as musicians, thinkers and citizens, developed through USD's strong core curriculum and the Music Program's rigorous history, theory and performance requirements.

Students can also look forward to an eclectic offering of concerts at USD and in San Diego, and close interaction with faculty and guest artists in Master Classes and other special events.

There are several performing ensembles for the USD community, including Choral Scholars, University Choir, USD Symphony, and USD Chamber Music, all of which offer many performances both on campus and around the San Diego community, and in tours in the U.S. and abroad.

Applied lessons

The Music Program offers individual instruction to Majors, Minors and members of ensembles in all voice parts and all instruments, including harpsichord and pipe organ, as well as orchestral and choral conducting and improvisation. Vocal and instrumental students have the opportunity to work with professional accompanists for rectials, and conducting students have the opportunity to work with USD's ensembles as well as the acclaimed San Diego Youth Symphony.
Applied Lessons Policy & Procedures

Composition students have the opportunity to work with professional musicians in the performance of their music, and to gain experience with computer-based composition, notation software, sound art and digital audio recording.

Alumnae

Recent alumnae of the Music Program have gone on to graduate school in Performance, Early Music performance, Musicology and Sacred Music, and Composition, and to work in fields such as public education, arts administration and freelance performance.

Affiliated programs

The Music Program faculty also contribute courses to Liberal Studies (which includes Music Education), the Art, Technology and Critical Studies Program (ATaCS), and the Honors Program.