Department of Music

Music at St. Mary’s

St. Mary's wind ensemble performing in a ballroom

In the Department of Music at St. Mary’s University, students explore the varied musical traditions of the past and present through a curriculum of historical, theoretical and applied courses.

The program trains musicians to be teachers and performers, and prepares them to pursue graduate and doctoral degrees.

The Department of Music also celebrates the creative human spirit through musical performance. Students often collaborate with the Drama department to produce and perform in musicals and operas.

close up of music student playing the trombone

one male and one female music student singing in an opera workshop

The Department of Music also works closely with the Education Department at St. Mary’s to ensure that students majoring in music and seeking State of Texas teacher certification are prepared to meet all requirements for teacher certification in accordance with the standards established by the Texas Education Agency and Texas State Board for Educator Certification.

Department Mission

It is the mission of the Department of Music to provide the artistic foundation for the University. The department contributes to the advancement of the human family in two ways: by expanding aesthetic awareness in the community, and by celebrating the creative human spirit though musical performance.

In its educational role the department offers historical, theoretical, and applied classes which explore the varied artistic traditions of the past and present. The Department of Music strives to introduce undergraduate students to western civilization’s musical heritage.

Committed to artistic excellence, the department serves the university and the city of San Antonio with performances and exhibits that, while striving toward inclusiveness, promote the Catholic artistic tradition and engage in interpreting the ever-present dialogue between faith and culture.

The St. Mary’s University Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Our Faculty

Students in the Department of Music have the distinct opportunity to work closely with a faculty of world renowned musicians, educators, and scholars in a low student to faculty ratio of 11:1.

Our world-class faculty have performed in and conducted prestigious ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Houston Grand opera, New Zealand Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic, Melbourne Symphony, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and also the acclaimed jazz ensembles of Tommy Dorsey, Bob Mintzer, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Doc Severinson, Mel Torme, Bob Moses, George Garzone, Rufus Reid and more.

Our faculty have also performed concerts and presented clinics at international, region, and local conventions and festivals including the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, International Association of Jazz Educators, International Trumpet Guild, International Tuba Euphonium Association, National Flute Association, Music Teachers National Association, College Music Society, Texas Music Festival and more.

Special Programs

The St. Mary’s University Music Department offers a wide variety of performing instrumental and vocal ensembles for students interested in furthering their music making abilities, while also participating in the full university experience.

Each performing ensemble is comprised of students from the department of music as well as the many other fantastic departments around campus.

Performing Ensembles

Exceptional Classroom Experiences

Amazon Prime’s The College Tour is a TV series, hosted by Alex Boylan, that tells the story of a single college through the lens of its students. Alex interviewed Savannah Palmer, a St. Mary’s music education major and flautist, who dreams of becoming a high school band director.