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Minor

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  • Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/music-instrumental-900×600-1.png
  • Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/music-instrumental-900×600-1.png
  • Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/music-instrumental-900×600-1.png

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Instrumental Music at St. Mary’s

The Instrumental Music program focuses on helping students achieve their highest level of musicianship as performers.

Along with the Music major and liberal arts course work, Instrumental Music majors focus on private study with St. Mary’s University world-renowned instrumental faculty members, as well as performances in the high-quality ensembles on campus.

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$72,125
Median annual earnings for Texas High School Band Directors
120
Credit-hour bachelor’s degree program
23
Credit-hour minor

What can I do with a degree in Music?

Many St. Mary’s University Music graduates have become successful and respected music educators, performers, administrators and professionals. 

Career Paths

  • Accompanist
  • Arranger
  • Arts administration
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Military musician
  • Music educator
  • Music business
  • Music production and technology
  • Music therapy
  • Performer and recording artist
  • Recording and sound engineering
  • Sales and marketing
  • Soloist
  • Symphony musician
  • Venue production and management

Music Education Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are some of the highest-achieving high school, middle school and collegiate band directors in Texas. Graduates have also earned administrative positions in school district fine arts departments. If you decide to pursue a teacher certification, there are many careers ahead of you in music education.

Band or Orchestra Director

Directors lead music programs that change people’s lives through music and community involvement. Our graduates have unique abilities to design and implement successful instrumental music programs. Our majors are strong in the areas of teaching, conducting, performing, mentoring, fundraising, leading and motivating.

Elementary Music Teacher

Guiding young students through their first experiences making music is one of the most rewarding occupations in the world. Elementary students are enthusiastic about learning about music and playing instruments. Our program prepares graduates to teach these musically thirsty classes in a way that changes their lives forever.

Private Instructor

Build a career offering private lessons to students young and old. With work on campus in the Department of Music and Greehey School of Business, St. Mary’s graduates are in high demand as private teachers for their high level of musicianship, teaching and strong capabilities in business and marketing.

University Music Professor

Professors have great opportunities to advance their specific fields through teaching, performance, research and collaboration. Students wanting to become higher education professors work with the best musicians in the world right here on campus. Our students are leading candidates for graduate school assistantships and funding around the United States.

  • Teacher Certification

    The Music program at St. Mary’s helps students become outstanding musicians and inspiring educators. The Music Department works closely with the Education Department to ensure students are prepared to meet all requirements for teacher certification.

    Music educators are in a unique position to uplift and empower communities through their work in elementary and secondary schools. The Department of Music is committed to training these future community leaders through a rigorous program designed to help them succeed.

    teacher certification

Auditions and Scholarships

Music scholarships are available for Music majors, minors and ensemble participants. To schedule an audition or learn more about scholarships, visit the Music Scholarships and Auditions page.

music scholarships

Outside the Classroom

Apprentice Conductor Program

St. Mary’s Department of Music’s Apprentice Conductor program is a unique opportunity for students to further their conducting knowledge and gain valuable experience prior to their student teaching semesters, or in preparation to study graduate-level conducting.

Apprentice conductors work closely with Matthew Mireles, D.M.A., Director of Bands, in score study, rehearsal preparation, programming and advanced conducting techniques.

After completion of the University’s Conducting course, and under the guidance of the Director of Bands, apprentice conductors are responsible for selecting repertoire for a concert cycle, rehearsing the St. Mary’s University Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra or Concert Choir, and conducting their piece in performance. Honored music students at St. Mary’s have this privileged opportunity to grow as artists and leaders in pursuit of achieving their goals and ambitions.

Student Organizations and Clubs

Students in the Music program can join the Student Band Committee or the St. Mary’s chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, a co-educational International Professional Music Fraternity. 

arts, humanities and social sciences clubs

Performing Ensembles

St. Mary’s University offers a wide variety of vocal and instrumental ensemble and band programs, including:

  • Guitar Ensemble 
  • Jazz Combo 
  • Musical Theatre 
  • Mariachi Cascabel 
  • Rattler Band
  • Symphony Orchestra 
  • Wind Ensemble

Ensemble programs are open to Music and non-Music majors.

music ensembles

Music Events

St. Mary’s University hosts a number of Music events throughout the academic year, and Music majors and ensemble participants participate in events on campus and in San Antonio, including:

  • Christmas Spectacular Concert
  • Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • El Día de los Muertos Celebration
  • Fiesta Flambeau Parade
  • Fiesta Jazz Festival
  • Fiesta Oyster Bake
  • Homecoming Oyster Bake
  • Rattler Basketball Games
  • Rattlerpalooza Spring Musical
music events

Faculty

Similar Programs

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Learn More

We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.

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