Exceptional Music Available to All Students
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, the beauty of making music is open to everyone. Music is essential to the liberal arts experience, no matter your major or field of study. That's why over a third of students at Â鶹ÊÓƵ study music through one of the numerous ensembles or courses in theory, history, appreciation, pedagogy, and performance. What sets music at Â鶹ÊÓƵ apart are the world-class professors devoted to your individual success. Â鶹ÊÓƵ's music program is a supportive, enthusiastic community of excellence. There are abundant opportunities to grow as a musician from performing at the highest level and touring with an ensemble to learning a new instrument. There are dozens of performance ensembles and the freedom to experiment, create, and share. Whether you're jamming in a jazz band, singing an opera duet in Björling Recital Hall, or performing in one of the great concert venues around the world you will have life-changing musical experiences with a nationally acclaimed department.
Majors, Minors, and Related Programs
A music degree from Â鶹ÊÓƵ will prepare you beyond mastering your craft. Our program has the high-rigor like a conservatory education yet allows you the flexibility to design your path in the major. Through your courses, you will explore music through theoretical concepts and applications, global and historical perspectives, aural and analytical skills, and performance techniques. You may choose departmental honors, as well as specialize your degree with electives around special interests in music. Graduates of the program are well-rounded, accomplished professionals.
Share Your Music and See the World
Touring is a chance to grow musically, gain new perspectives, and deepen relationships.
- On tour, Gusties inspire young musicians working in high schools and perform in amazing concert venues around the United States and the world from Chicago to Sweden, Italy, and Spain.
- The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Wind Orchestra, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Jazz Ensemble, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Symphony Orchestra, and the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Choir travel domestically or internationally every year.
- Touring creates great musical moments and memories.
Opportunities in Music
There are a wealth of opportunities to perform at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students of any major can audition for the 25+ vocal and instrumental ensembles or choose to be a part of one of the many student-led groups. The Music Department sponsors over 240 recitals, concerts, and colloquiums annually, including the award-winning nationally broadcasted Christmas in Christ Chapel. The music faculty are eager to find a way for you to be involved in music, including lessons available at all levels.
Handbells — There are several handbell choirs at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, from the audition-based top ensemble to the Disney Bells, handbell choir can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to be involved in the musical community.
Jazz — The Â鶹ÊÓƵ jazz program offers a dynamic and inclusive platform for students to explore and study jazz music. From a large ensemble to small jazz combos, there are options ranging from those new to jazz to those planning to be a professional jazz artist.
Keyboard Studies — Students may study piano or organ at Â鶹ÊÓƵ with experienced faculty, numerous performance opportunities, and a supportive music community.
Strings — The Â鶹ÊÓƵ strings program offers two large ensembles and chamber groups to encourage players to be active participants in the active string music community on campus.
Vocals — The Â鶹ÊÓƵ choral program is a thriving and inclusive community that offers diverse opportunities for students to engage in choral music. With three ensembles ranging in time commitments and performance expectations, you will find a place for vocal performance at any level.
Winds — The wind studies program includes several major ensembles and numerous small chamber groups which provides a wide variety of options to be involved and grow as a musician. There is a place for you to be involved if you just want to keep playing casually or want to perform at the highest collegiate level of excellence.
Upcoming Events
Christmas in Christ Chapel 2025 Saturday Evening
- Fine Arts
- Signature Event
- Worship
Christmas in Christ Chapel 2025 Saturday Afternoon
- Fine Arts
- Signature Event
- Worship
Join A Dynamic Music Community
As a music student at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, you will be part of a strong and engaged community of performers and creators in , a state known to have a vibrant music and arts scene. Located in Saint Peter, you're minutes away from medium-sized Mankato and an hour from the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Because music at Â鶹ÊÓƵ is flexible to meet the musical interests for students wanting to major in music to be a professional performer or teacher; students who want to major or minor in music and also combine this with another career path; or students who wants to continue with their passion for music and have another major and involvements on campus. You can make music as intensive as you wish, from the height of musical excellence to the joyful casual participant.
Contact Music
Email:Ìýmusic [at] gustavus.edu (music[at]gustavus[dot]edu)
Phone:Ìý(507) 933-7364
Schaefer Fine Arts Music, 318
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082
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