Ensembles
Our department is the proud home to over 20 large and small performing ensembles. Ensembles are open to all students. Large ensembles require an audition.
Begin the next step of your journey at St. Thomas!
Department of Music
About the Department of Music
Think outside the box about where you can take a music career.
The Music Department at the University of St. Thomas strives to provide outstanding music instruction through our progressive curriculum. You will realize your full potential in the development of your musical, artistic and career goals, gaining a versatile skill set that will offer you a distinct competitive advantage in the next chapter of your life. Our accomplished faculty models musical and academic excellence and will mentor you in a creative environment that enhances the cultural, spiritual and intellectual life of the university and community.
As an undergraduate or graduate student in our department, you will acquire a diverse skill set in critical thinking, unique brand identity, adaptability, problem solving, collaboration and communication through our creative environment and innovative curriculum.
High School Honor Festivals
We are proud to continue our partnership with high schools throughout the region and to celebrate the outstanding talents of their students. These annual events will be held once again this year. Experiences throughout the day will introduce students to the rich tradition and outstanding quality of our music programs at the University of St. Thomas. Students will work with professional musicians, tour campus, participate in sectional lessons and conclude their day with an evening performance.
Our Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
The pursuit of a life in music can take many paths. Regardless of the career you seek, our department is dedicated to providing outstanding music instruction through our rigorous curriculum and helping you achieve your full potential.
Undergraduate Majors
Visit the Program FinderUndergraduate Minors
Visit the Program FinderMA in Music Education
Master’s in Music Education concentrations include:
- Choral
- Instrumental
- Kodály
- Orff Schulwerk
- Piano Pedagogy
Graduate Certificates
Music educators can get certifications in:
- Eurhythmics
- Kodály Levels I-III
- Orff Schulwerk Levels I-III
- Piano Pedagogy
- Teaching World Music
Professional Development
St. Thomas offers more than 50 non-degree, professional development classes for music educators.
Doctoral Studies
The Doctorate in Leadership is a distinctive program that prides itself on artfully weaving theory with real-life application.
EdD in Leadership with a Concentration in Music Education
Play well together
Music for Everyone
Lessons
For beginners, advanced, and every skill level in between, you can enhance your abilities and style through individual or group music lessons at St. Thomas.
Studio and Ensemble Options
Guitar Studio and Ensembles
Guitar Ensemble
Members of this ensemble study, perform and record music for multiple guitars and bass from Renaissance through 20th-century composers, including American jazz and rock styles. Students learn improvisation, composition and arranging techniques, and present at least two performances each semester. Students also participate in a recording session in a major recording studio.
Small Guitar Ensemble
This course is intended for the guitarist who is interested in the performance of music for guitar and other instruments. Typical combinations include bass, drums, keyboard, full band, and all other orchestral instruments. All styles and genres welcome. Students present a live performance at the end of each semester.
Jazz Ensemble
Members study and perform jazz in various styles with exposure to improvisation, and present formal and informal concerts on campus each semester.
Popular Music Ensemble
Student groups receive individual coaching for small ensembles on the performance of all genres and types of American popular music.
Keyboard Studios and Ensembles
Piano Ensemble
The Piano Ensemble presents a unique opportunity for piano majors, piano minors and other qualified pianists to explore the treasures of two-piano and piano duet repertoire.
Accompanying Ensemble
The Accompanying Ensemble provides an opportunity for pianists, singers and instrumentalists to explore the joys of the art song and chamber music repertoire through individual and group coaching.
Jazz Ensemble
Members study and perform jazz in various styles with exposure to improvisation, and present formal and informal concerts on campus each semester.
Popular Music Ensemble
Student groups receive individual coaching for small ensembles on the performance of all genres and types of American popular music.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
As a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble or Band, you will study and perform standard and contemporary band music, transcriptions of other musical genres, and premiere new repertoire commissioned by St. Thomas.
Bands Programs
If music is a serious vocation for you, consider joining the highly acclaimed St. Thomas band program. Students in all academic disciplines are welcome. You can participate in a variety of musical groups from small chamber ensembles to larger symphonic ensembles. And you will have ample opportunities to perform.
Our ensembles have played before enthusiastic audiences at the Minnesota Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Conference North Central Division and the Music Educators National Conference. They also have toured throughout the United States and abroad, performing in major concert halls of Australia, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Japan, China, Italy, India and Croatia.
Choirs
The joy of singing is irresistible. Perhaps that is why more than 250 singers participate in the University of St. Thomas choral program. You can join one of six choirs and receive academic credit. In recent years, St. Thomas choirs have performed at national, regional and state American Choral Directors Association conventions. As a choir member, you will develop a deep understanding of music and an appreciation of diverse cultures guided by outstanding conductors who hold high artistic standards.
String Programs
String players from all academic disciplines are invited to audition for the St. Thomas Orchestra. As an orchestra member, you will benefit from instruction by our acclaimed conductor, as well as section coaches and the St. Thomas string faculty. The ensemble rehearses twice a week and performs up to two concerts each semester. The orchestra repertoire features standard, international and contemporary orchestral works, as well as newly commissioned pieces.
The ensemble regularly performs with nationally known solo artists and has appeared at the Minnesota Music Educators Association conference. The orchestra has also been broadcast nationally on PBS television.
Guitar Studio and Ensembles
Guitar Ensemble
Members of this ensemble study, perform and record music for multiple guitars and bass from Renaissance through 20th-century composers, including American jazz and rock styles. Students learn improvisation, composition and arranging techniques, and present at least two performances each semester. Students also participate in a recording session in a major recording studio.
Small Guitar Ensemble
This course is intended for the guitarist who is interested in the performance of music for guitar and other instruments. Typical combinations include bass, drums, keyboard, full band, and all other orchestral instruments. All styles and genres welcome. Students present a live performance at the end of each semester.
Jazz Ensemble
Members study and perform jazz in various styles with exposure to improvisation, and present formal and informal concerts on campus each semester.
Popular Music Ensemble
Student groups receive individual coaching for small ensembles on the performance of all genres and types of American popular music.
Keyboard Studios and Ensembles
Piano Ensemble
The Piano Ensemble presents a unique opportunity for piano majors, piano minors and other qualified pianists to explore the treasures of two-piano and piano duet repertoire.
Accompanying Ensemble
The Accompanying Ensemble provides an opportunity for pianists, singers and instrumentalists to explore the joys of the art song and chamber music repertoire through individual and group coaching.
Jazz Ensemble
Members study and perform jazz in various styles with exposure to improvisation, and present formal and informal concerts on campus each semester.
Popular Music Ensemble
Student groups receive individual coaching for small ensembles on the performance of all genres and types of American popular music.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
As a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble or Band, you will study and perform standard and contemporary band music, transcriptions of other musical genres, and premiere new repertoire commissioned by St. Thomas.
Bands Programs
If music is a serious vocation for you, consider joining the highly acclaimed St. Thomas band program. Students in all academic disciplines are welcome. You can participate in a variety of musical groups from small chamber ensembles to larger symphonic ensembles. And you will have ample opportunities to perform.
Our ensembles have played before enthusiastic audiences at the Minnesota Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Conference North Central Division and the Music Educators National Conference. They also have toured throughout the United States and abroad, performing in major concert halls of Australia, Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Japan, China, Italy, India and Croatia.
Choirs
The joy of singing is irresistible. Perhaps that is why more than 250 singers participate in the University of St. Thomas choral program. You can join one of six choirs and receive academic credit. In recent years, St. Thomas choirs have performed at national, regional and state American Choral Directors Association conventions. As a choir member, you will develop a deep understanding of music and an appreciation of diverse cultures guided by outstanding conductors who hold high artistic standards.
String Programs
String players from all academic disciplines are invited to audition for the St. Thomas Orchestra. As an orchestra member, you will benefit from instruction by our acclaimed conductor, as well as section coaches and the St. Thomas string faculty. The ensemble rehearses twice a week and performs up to two concerts each semester. The orchestra repertoire features standard, international and contemporary orchestral works, as well as newly commissioned pieces.
The ensemble regularly performs with nationally known solo artists and has appeared at the Minnesota Music Educators Association conference. The orchestra has also been broadcast nationally on PBS television.
Music Lessons
Music lessons (or performance studies) are available to all St. Thomas students. Whether you've been studying privately for years or want to develop basic performance skills, our faculty are happy to work with you! With the exception of beginning piano and vocal classes, all performance studies are individual lessons.
We offer 30- or 50-minute weekly lessons for most classical and popular instruments, in the following categories:
- Keyboard (piano, harpsichord, organ, etc.)
- Strings (violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, etc.)
- Woodwinds (flute, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, etc.)
- Brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone, etc.)
- Percussion (timpani, drums, etc.)
- Voice
Composition and digital music lessons are also available. Please contact us if you have questions about signing up for lessons.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students planning a major in music, music education, music performance or music business are welcome to apply to the Department of Music any time before or during their studies at St. Thomas. By completing the application before the February 1 deadline, new students can also be considered for a music major scholarship. Students selected to advance in the scholarship process will be invited to on-campus auditions. Scholarships range from $1,500-$10,000 annually, and are renewable for four years of study.
Faculty
Our accomplished faculty are recognized both nationally and internationally as experts and leaders in their fields. They have a deep passion for mentoring students in a creative environment through their innovative teaching approaches.
Dr. Shersten Johnson
Dr. Johnson is Chair of the Music Department. She teaches the full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate music theory courses, as well as individual composition and aural-skills lessons and interdisciplinary honors seminars. Her interests include contemporary opera and art song, embodied cognition, disability studies and theories of music pedagogy.
Dr. Douglas Orzolek
Dr. Orzolek is Director of Graduate Programs in Music Education. He teaches music education methods and techniques, and also conducts the Symphonic Band. He teaches musical acoustics, music literature and conducting, as well as core classes and instrumental music education. He advises papers in both the master’s and doctoral level music education programs.
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Dr. Steve Cole
Steve Cole is head of music industry studies and recording arts at the university. He has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Benaroya Symphony Hall, Bass Performance Hall and Chicago Symphony Center. He has been a featured performer at the JVC, Playboy and Blue Note Jazz festivals, plus performing arts centers and jazz clubs around the world.
The Fine Arts Requirement
A core-area course in fine arts aims to enhance students' understanding of and appreciation for arts in society. Students learn about the role of the fine arts in expressing, maintaining, discovering, and questioning a culture's dominant beliefs and struggles.
Students have the option of fulfilling the Fine Arts Requirement by enrolling in a four-credit fine arts course, or they may fulfill the requirement by participating in a one-credit large ensemble for four semesters.
Get Involved
Fulfill your fine arts requirement by participating in an ensemble.
Academic Excellence
Musicians at St. Thomas are encouraged to express their originality. We will help you think outside the lines – or blend them. Let us help you find your rhythm because music can take your career in new directions.
Undergraduate Education
Studying music at St. Thomas gives you first-class instruction within a comprehensive, liberal arts tradition.
Graduate Education
Our Graduate Programs in Music Education exist to raise the standard of music teaching by promoting artistic, intelligent, reflective and inspired instruction at all levels.
Professional Development
Many graduate music education courses at St. Thomas are open to students who have not been admitted to the degree program.
Accreditation
The University of St. Thomas Music Department is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the National Association of Schools of Music.
The University of St. Thomas is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
Connect with Us!
Learn more about taking your place in the St. Thomas music program.
Department of Music: Call 651-962-5850 (Fax 651-962-5876) or Email music@stthomas.edu
Graduate Programs in Music Education: Call 651-962-5870 (Fax 651-962-5886) or Email gradmusic@stthomas.edu
Mailing Address
Department of Music
2115 Summit Ave., BEC LL05
St. Paul, MN 55105
Graduate Programs in Music Education
2115 Summit Ave., LOR 103
St. Paul, MN 55105
Campus Location
The undergraduate music office is located on the lower level of Brady Educational Center, and the graduate music office is located on the first floor of Loras Hall.