Music

Get Ready for a Music Career

Embark on a transformative journey through the captivating world of music at Alverno. Our dynamic music department offers a comprehensive curriculum spanning diverse genres and historical periods. With immersive clinical experiences and hands-on training, we prepare students for success in the ever-evolving music industry. Join us in harmonizing tradition with innovation, unlocking your full potential for a fulfilling career and personal growth.

Explore Our Programs

Music Therapy

Our music therapy major teaches students how use music to unlock clients’ potential, improving their quality of life.

Music

Our music major blends theory, history and performance to prepare students for dynamic careers in music.

Music Performance

This minor is for those studying voice or an instrument and offers opportunities to perform in ensembles. 

Popular Music Studies

Learn about American music culture in the 20th and 21st centuries with a mix of coursework and performance with this minor.

The Alverno Difference

Alverno's music department is unique thanks to:

  • Low student-to-faculty ratios
  • A curriculum attuned to the diversity of music styles relevant in today’s world
  • Internships that skillfully guide students into a career

Alverno has a worldwide reputation for its innovative ability-based curriculum, which we infuse with performance assessments and career-based core classes. Every music major and minor refines skills through private study, performance opportunities and a progression of competences. Student-centered learning produces music graduates who successfully enter employment within their chosen field.

Learn more about the music department via our Music Student Handbook.

A music teacher and student sit on a stage in front of a grand piano while smiling to other students in the audience.

Audition Information

Entrance auditions are required of all students who desire to major in music at Alverno College. The auditions are designed to assess the applicant's ability to successfully pursue college-level studies in music and to place the applicant in courses consistent with current ability level. Once you have completed and submitted your registration, you are considered registered for the auditions.

Placement assessments in piano and theory will happen in the fall should you be accepted to the program.

Any questions or concerns about audition requirements or deadlines may be directed to audition@alverno.edu.

Musical Events

Alverno's Music Department is pleased to host student recitals and other events for the broader community.

Spring 2024 Music Events

Music Forum: 12:20 – 1 p.m. on select Thursdays

  • February 15 – Faculty Sarah Richardson, soprano and Sheri Masiakowski, organ in the Chapel of Mary Immaculate
  • March 14 – Student performers in Lampe Recital Hall
  • April 4 – Music Forum guest Michael Finlay discusses injury prevention for musicians in Lampe Recital Hall
  • May 2 – Student ensembles in Lampe Recital Hall

Music Department Recital: Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Lampe Recital Hall

Spring Concert: Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Mary Immaculate

Music Event Live Stream

Student Performers Music Forum – Thursday, March 14 at 12:20 p.m.