Department of MusicAcademics

About the Department

Exceptional Music Available to All Students

At Gustavus, 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 Gustavus study music through one of the numerous ensembles or courses in theory, history, appreciation, pedagogy, and performance. What sets music at Gustavus apart are the world-class professors devoted to your individual success. Gustavus'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.

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Join A Dynamic Music Community

As a music student at Gustavus Adolphus, you will be part of a strong and engaged community of performers and creators in Minnesota, a state known to have a vibrant music and arts scene. Located in Saint Peter, the beautiful Gustavus Adolphus campus is a perfect place to build close-knit relationships with proximity to big-city concerts and opportunities. You're minutes away from medium-sized Mankato and an hour from the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With extensive offerings and highly accomplished faculty, Gustavus is an ideal place to be your next musical home.

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Discover your path:
Majors, Minors, and Related Programs

A music degree from Gustavus 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.

Majors and Minors


Related Programs


Opportunities in Music

Performance Opportunities

There are a wealth of opportunities to perform at Gustavus. 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.

Explore the Opportunities in Music

  • Handbells — There are several handbell choirs at Gustavus, 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 Gustavus 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 Gustavus with experienced faculty, numerous performance opportunities, and a supportive music community.
  • Strings — The Gustavus 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 Gustavus 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.

Gusties
will
Shine

You'll find Gustavus musicians everywhere. They're running experiments in the chemistry lab, performing their hearts out in Christ Chapel services, and winning games on the athletic field. Check out the ways Gustie musicians shine, on and off the stage.

Meet our Faculty

Zoe Zarth ’23

Zoe Zarth ’23

Vocal Music Education Major

“Through an intensive music curriculum that is constructed with realistic and applicable principles, I have had countless opportunities to practice and execute all elements of teaching music so that I truly feel ready and excited to enter the field.” With the music programs, especially the choral program, being something that drew Zoё to Gustavus in […]

Read more about Zoe Zarth ’23

Keep in Touch with Music

The music program at Gustavus is the ideal option for you. Because music at Gustavus 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. At every level, you will be guided by award-winning and student-focused faculty.

Contact Music

Email: music@gustavus.edu
Phone: 507-933-7364

Schaefer Fine Arts Music, 318
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082
 

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