Music

Major with Music Concentration

The Music concentration of the Performing Arts and Social Justice (PASJ) major provides students with foundational studies in common practice, theory, and harmony, training in historiographic as well as ethnographic methods for studying music, and engagement with different styles, genres, and applications of live performance.

Music students at USF have access to a variety of performance opportunities that are open to all levels of music experience. Like our counterparts in the Theater and Dance concentrations, USF's music program is structured as a holistic course of study that places equal value upon the artistic development and the cultural consciousness of our students. There is no audition required to become a PASJ major.

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Music Minor

The Music minor is compatible with all USF majors, and, as such, is open to all students in any major course of study. No previous experience in music required.

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Performance Opportunities

Any performance ensemble can be taken for credit or without registering at all. Anyone enrolled in an ensemble for credit is also eligible to take private lessons in voice or instrument.

• Classical Choral Ensembles perform traditional art music (classical music) from all periods, including major works and shorter choral gems. In addition to the full University Choir and its repertoire, smaller groups perform advanced vocal music.
• ASUSF Voices Choirs are a collaboration between the Associated Students of USF and the Performing Arts Department. Voices contain a variety of choral ensembles that specialize in popular and jazz vocal styles.
• Gospel Choir ("The Spiritual Notes") performs African American gospel music and spirituals, focusing on contemporary repertoire.
• St. Ignatius Liturgical Music Ensembles provide the vocal and instrumental music ministry for various masses every week at St. Ignatius Church. These ensembles perform both traditional and contemporary Catholic repertoire, and students may participate in one or more of the masses.
• Conjunto Folklórico-USF Latin American Music Ensemble (ULAM) performs famous songs in various folk and popular traditions found throughout Latin America, including samba, calypso, huayño, and son cubano. This group is open to all students regardless of musical experience.
• Jazz Band studies the language and repertoire of jazz, and performs in small ensembles.
• Dons Marching Band is a joint project with the USF Athletics Department. The Dons band is an instrumental marching band that accompanies USF sporting events and rallies.
• Chamber Music ensembles perform traditional Western art music (classical music) from all periods, in a variety of genres (duos, trios, quartets, quintets, art song). Students are teamed up with other students of similar skills and ability and learn to play with others without an external conductor.
• Chinese Percussion performs contemporary drumming inspired by festival, folk and dramatic music. This group is open to all students regardless of musical experience.
• Electric Sound Collective performs improvisatory electronic music. Students learn how to digitally create and manipulate sounds, as well as how to change those sounds in the context of live performance in a variety of locations.
• Rock Band performs famous songs in various styles of rock music. Students are teamed up with other students of similar skills and ability and learn to play with others without an external conductor.