Music - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Lisa McDermott, Tweet Hall of Music 245
507-786-3180

wp.stolaf.edu/music

The St. Olaf Music Department creates inspiring musical experiences grounded in an inclusive liberal arts environment, challenging students to excel artistically and engage globally for lives within and beyond the professional music world. 

The Music Department offers extensive opportunities to explore, practice, and celebrate the musician’s art with an ongoing commitment to a distinctive ensemble program, excellent individualized instruction, and a comprehensive undergraduate music curriculum. We honor St. Olaf’s rich heritage spanning more than a century of international artistry and scholarship and will continue to cultivate a spirit of exploration and innovation, seeking and celebrating the transcendent and transforming power of music.

Degrees Offered

The Music Department offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degrees, which are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. St. Olaf students may also pursue the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music double-degree option.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music

This is a liberal arts degree, with approximately one-third of the course work in music.  The B.A. music major may lead to a wide range of career options in music and related fields such as performance, broadcasting, multimedia, arts administration, advertising, education, arts journalism, music librarianship, or music therapy.  Students may choose a general music major or may elect an emphasis in composition, musicology, or theory. 

Intended Learning Outcomes for the Major (B.A.)

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music Double-Degree Program

This program engages students in professional study in music and study in the liberal arts, leading to both the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Students pursuing the double-degree option may choose from five Bachelor of Music graduation majors (church music, composition, elective studies, music education, or performance) and any of the Bachelor of Arts graduation majors except music. Students must meet the application requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degree programs. This program typically takes five years to complete. Students pursing this option should consult their advisor as early as possible. See worksheet for more information.

Admission to the Music Major

Students generally apply for entrance into the music major before enrolling but may also apply during the first year of studies at St. Olaf. A complete application for any music major (B.A. or B.M.) requires an audition on the principal instrument/voice, and screenings to test basic music knowledge and skills. Current St. Olaf students should contact the Music Department office by October 1 of their first year for more information. More information for prospective majors.

Keyboard Proficiency

All music majors must demonstrate keyboard proficiency at a level specified for the major/instrument, and it is recommended that students complete proficiency by the end of the sophomore year. Students may demonstrate proficiency through successful completion of piano classes, or by examination. More information.

Music Ensembles

All full-time students are eligible to audition for membership in any of these musical ensembles. Participation in these ensembles fulfills ensemble graduation requirements for music majors.

Vocal Ensembles

St. Olaf Choir, Chapel Choir, St. Olaf Cantorei, Chamber Singers, Manitou Singers, Viking Chorus, Musical Theater Lab

Instrumental Ensembles

St. Olaf Band, Norseman Band, St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Philharmonia, Collegium Musicum, Jazz Ensembles, Handbell Choirs

Additional opportunities for ensemble performance include Collegiate Chorale, Horn Club, Percussion Ensemble, Gamelan, and Lars Skjervheim Spelemannslag (Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle group). Participation in these ensembles does not fulfill graduation requirements for music majors.

Distinction

The Music Department does not offer departmental distinction.  Students may be eligible for membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, the music honor society.