Music Performance
Bachelor of Arts
Our music performance program is tailored to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a performance artist, ensuring you're ready for the stage and beyond. Whether you're aiming for a career in music, education or other fields, our program is designed to meet your professional aspirations.
Fall
- MUSC 198: Studio Class............ 0cr.
- MUSC 199: Recital Attendance............ 0cr.
- MUSC 200: Music Theory I [Quantitatve]............ 3cr.
- MUSC 201: Aural Skills I............ 1cr.
- MUSC 208: Keyboard Skills I............ 1cr.
- Private Lesson I............ 1cr.
- Large Ensemble I............ 1cr.
- CORE 100: First-Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: First-Year Co-Curricular Passport ............ 0cr.
- ENGL 101 or ENGL 115............ 3cr.
- Second Language Elective I............ 3cr.
Spring
- MUSC 198: Studio Class............ 0cr.
- MUSC 199: Recital Attendance............ 0cr.
- MUSC 202: Music Theory II............ 3cr.
- MUSC 203: Aural Skills II............ 1cr.
- MUSC 209: Keyboard Skills II............ 1cr.
- Private Lesson II............ 1cr.
- Large Ensemble II............ 1cr.
- CORE 102: First-Year Co-Curricular Passport............ 0cr.
- Second Language Elective II............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
Fall
- MUSC 198: Studio Class............ 0cr.
- MUSC 199: Recital Attendance............ 0cr.
- MUSC 210: Music History I............ 3cr.
- MUSC 300: Music Theory III............ 3cr.
- MUSC 301: Aural Skills III............ 1cr.
- Private Lesson III............ 1cr.
- Large Ensemble III............ 1cr.
- Scientific Perspectives............ 3cr.
- ERS Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- MUSC 198: Studio Class............ 0cr.
- MUSC 199: Recital Attendance............ 0cr.
- MUSC 211: Music History II [Writing]............ 3cr.
- MUSC 303: Aural Skills IV............ 1cr.
- Private Lesson IV............ 1cr.
- Large Ensemble IV............ 1cr.
- Mathematical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- MUSC 198: Studio Class............ 0cr.
- MUSC 199: Recital Attendance............ 0cr.
- MUSC 311: Rock, Pop and R&B [OC+Divers]............ 3cr.
- Private Lesson V............ 1cr.
- Large Ensemble V............ 1cr.
- Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
- ENGL/CLAS/SPAN 205: Literature and the Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- MUSC 198: Studio Class............ 0cr.
- MUSC 199: Recital Attendance............ 0cr.
- Private Lesson VI............ 1cr.
- Large Ensemble VI............ 1cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Philosophical Perspectives ............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Historical Perspectives ............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
- Free Elective............ 3cr.
Xavier music graduates have gone on to such diverse positions and employers as:
- Music educator, public and private schools
- Private music studio instructor
- University professor
- Performer in local bands
- Sales, professional recording equipment
- Member, United States Army Band
- Cincinnati Opera
- Nashville music industry
- Public health administrator
- Teach for America
- Jesuit Volunteer Corps
- Montessori and special education teachers
- Physician, registered nurse or other medical professional
- Procter and Gamble
Xavier music graduates have also been accepted into graduate music programs at:
- University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
- University of Louisville
- University of Massachusetts
- University of Maryland
Find more information on our Music Alumni webpage.
Private Lessons (MUSC 276-299)
The music performance curriculum includes 6 hours of private music lessons. Lessons include bassoon, cello, clarinet, composition, double bass, flute, French horn, guitar, harp, jazz guitar/voice, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, rap, saxophone, songwriting, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, and voice.
Studio Class (MUSC 198)
Meeting every other week, this course engages students in professional development by requiring them to perform for each other in the form of a master class, attend presentations and workshops, and receive instruction in pedagogy and other topics relevant to the profession.
Electronic Music (MUSC 127)
This course introduces the hardware and software used in electronic music production, emphasizing music sequencing, digital recording and mixing techniques. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating, editing and arranging electronic music.
Keyboard Skills I (MUSC 208)
Skills learned include elementary scales, arpeggios, triads, chord progressions and solo repertoire as well as sight-reading, accompaniment, harmonization, transposition and improvisation.
A caBellas and Harmon- X
Our mission is to bring joy through acapella music to the community on and off Xavier's campus.
National Association for Music Education
The mission of the National Association for Music Education is to provide professional development opportunities for music education students that are hands-on and practical to the teaching profession.
American Choral Directors Association
The Xavier University chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) seeks to provide meaningful experiences for Xavier students in the art of choral music. ACDA works to inspire excellence in choral music through education, performance, composition, and advocacy.
Program Features
Private lessons offered include bassoon, cello, clarinet, composition, double bass, flute, French horn, guitar, harp, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, rap, saxophone, songwriting, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and voice.
There are numerous musical clubs and organizations on campus, including the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, the XU Concert Choir, the women and men's choruses and the Edgecliff Vocal Ensemble.
You'll receive personalized instruction from accomplished faculty, honing your technical skills and artistic expression through one-on-one lessons and masterclasses.
Rooted in Jesuit values, our program empowers musicians to not only master their craft but also to use their talents to inspire, engage and serve the world through powerful storytelling.
Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, a city with a vibrant arts scene, you'll have access to internships, performances and partnerships with local arts organizations.
From detailed program information and admissions to facilities, ensembles and financial aid, we've got answers to your questions about our BA in Music.
Music Performance Program at Xavier University
The Department of Music is committed to the advancement of knowledge through the study of music as an art and a science. This study encompasses music theory, music history, pedagogy, esthetics, music education, and an extensive list of applied music opportunities. Students go on to hold positions as music teachers for all ages in schools, organists and choir directors, performers, private studio music instructors and many roles in arts organizations and businesses.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."