Music
Offered as a major (B.A.) and a minor
Through our music program, you will receive a thorough grounding in music theory, practice, and history with ample opportunities to study and perform a variety of musical traditions. The music faculty offer lessons in 13 instruments and areas in addition to performance courses which are open to all Saint Anselm students.
As a music major or minor, you develop skills in analyzing, performing, composition, and expressing musical ideas. Your understanding of music is deepened by your liberal arts foundation which emphasizes creative problem solving, research, disciplined practice, and collaboration. You’ll be prepared for a diverse range of career opportunities in performance, education, arts management, and music therapy or to excel in fields beyond music. While many of our graduates pursue careers as musicians, music educators, and music therapists, recent alumni have continued their education in other fields including theology, business, and urban planning.
Music has always meant a great deal to me and being able to study it through different courses such as music theory has given me a solid technical foundation.
Opportunities to Build Essential Skills
Music lessons and performance courses are a foundational part of your musical education. Opportunities to showcase your musical talents abound through courses and extracurricular activities such as the Chamber Music Ensemble, Pep Band, and College Choir.
Facilities
The Dana Center for the Performing Arts is home to rehearsal spaces as well as the main theater for on-stage performances. Four Steinway pianos can be found in the building. Additional facilities include:
- seven piano practice rooms
- a larger classroom rehearsal space
- a piano lab with 15 keyboards, a Steinway piano, and a George S. Hutchings Opus 347 pipe organ originally built in 1894
- a storage room with personal lockers of all sizes for various instruments
- a 100-seat lecture and performing art space
- Scene shop
- 582-seat Koonz Theater with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system and orchestra pit
- two dressing rooms with restroom facilities and showers
Producing the College’s First Opera
Natalie Bender ’23 pitched an idea to the fine arts faculty. Six months later, she co-produced the college’s first opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” She managed playing in the orchestra pit, coordinating the ensemble, choreography, and designing costumes, props, and sets.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Sean Parr, Ph.D., Professor
Fine Arts Professor and musical historian Sean Parr trained as a lyric tenor and has performed in operas throughout Europe and the U.S. Now he teaches music courses like “Opera and Gender” and “History of Rock” at Saint Anselm.
Read more about Professor Parr in Portraits magazine Focus on Faculty →
Sacred Music Certificate
The Sacred Music Certificate program at Saint Anselm College prepares college and community musicians for ministry in the church as pastoral musicians. Rooted in traditions, students:
- Examine the liturgical and musical norms of the church
- Learn and deepen the practical skills and traits needed to implement, provide, and maintain a successful parish music ministry
- Prepare and plan meaningful worship
- Become successful performers, conductors, organists, and vocalists
The Sacred Music Certificate is a unique opportunity for current music majors, aspiring professionals, or current musicians to hone and refine skills or find real-world opportunities in service to the Church.
Additional Program Information
- Sacred Music
- Music Performance
- Composition
- Music History
- Music Theory
Fall
- HU 103 - Conversatio I
- Major Course
- Language
- EN 105 - First Year Writing
Spring
- HU 104 - Conversatio II
- Major Course
- Language
- Core Course or Major Course
- Music Theory (12 credits/3 courses)
- Music History
- Music Performance (8 credits/4 2-credit Courses)
- Immersive experience in the Arts (4 credits/1 course from Approved List)
- Music Elective (4 credits/1 course from Approved List)
- Music Capstone (4 credits/1 course + 2 Additional Requirements)
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We offer lessons in numerous instruments and areas: double bass, clarinet, composition, flute, guitar, oboe, organ, percussion, piano, saxophone, viola, violin, and voice.
For information about taking music lessons for credit, contact Professor Sean Parr.
Interested in Teaching Music?
You can also double major in music and secondary education. Our education majors spend time in a classroom as early as sophomore year. Learn more about our education program.
Recent Outcomes and Employers
- Teacher, St. Francis of Assisi School
- Community Based Educator, Old Sturbridge Village
- Musician, Sunshine Street
- Teacher, Montrose School
- Music Director, Harvard Catholic Center
- University of Southern Mississippi
- East Carolina University
- University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China
- Northeastern University
Find your passion. Find your place.
We have 100+ majors and minors. Find the program that is right for you.
Dance
Studio Art
Art History
Secondary Education
History
Elementary Education