
Music
Follow your passion and talents by studying music, either by majoring in this area or adding a minor to supplement your education.
Why Study Music?
If you have a passion for music, USD is the right place to be. Our music programs give you opportunities to thrive – with experiences ranging from music theory classes to one-on-one lessons with our expert faculty. You will learn in a space that cultivates your talents and prepares you for success in your future career.
The USD Department of Music offers a number of programs for you to choose from. Below you can learn more about earning a degree in music with specializations in industry and technology, music education, music performance and musical arts, as well as the minor in music.
Degrees & Offerings
Music: Industry and Technology (B.S.)
Bachelor’sMusic: Music Education (B.M.)
Bachelor’sMusic: Music Performance (B.M.)
Bachelor’sMusic: Musical Arts (BMA)
Bachelor’sMusic
MinorA minor in music will supplement any degree as you explore your passions. The 26-credit hour minor focuses on music theory, aural skills, music cultures of the world and other topics related to the musical arts.
Program Details
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Student Opportunities
Choir
The acclaimed choir program at USD provides students with the opportunity to be involved in a variety of outstanding vocal ensembles. Students are taught by dedicated and passionate faculty who believe in developing the student as a singer, musician and individual, as well as provide a quality choral experience.
Chamber Singers
The Chamber Singers is the premier vocal ensemble at USD. Performers are selected through audition from the entire university student body. The choir's repertoire, which is primarily a cappella, includes music from the Renaissance to the present in a wide variety of styles. The ensemble holds formal concerts on campus each semester, and its annual concert tour has taken the group throughout the United States and Europe. The Chamber Singers have been selected to perform at state and regional conventions, appeared on public radio programs, and received numerous national honors and distinctions.
Collegium Musicum
Collegium Musicum is a vocal ensemble exploring music from many genres and time periods, from early music to modern works. In frequent collaboration with other choral and instrumental groups at USD, the repertoire for the ensemble changes based on the unique group of vocalists who participate each semester.
Symphonic Choir
The Symphonic Choir is a large, select mixed ensemble open to students of all majors, as well as members of the Vermillion community. The ensemble performs a broad range of music, with a particular focus on both large and small-scale choral masterworks. The Symphonic Choir regularly partners with the USD Symphony Orchestra, as well as professional ensembles such as the South Dakota and Sioux City symphony orchestras.
Vocal Jazz Choir
The Vocal Jazz Choir is an ensemble of 16 singers with additional crew and instrumentalists as needed. This choir performs a wide range of music from traditional jazz standards to contemporary a cappella, including the genres of pop and rock. The ensemble is intended for advanced vocalists who will utilize individual microphones and be required to perform tight harmonies.
Opera
The USD Opera offers students the opportunity to bring music and drama to life on the stage. The multiple national award-winning program trains performers to become believable and compelling singing-actors in operatic literature from the Baroque period through the contemporary lyric theater.
Every year, USD Opera produces a minimum of two productions. The fall production consists of a children’s opera, one-act or scenes program and includes outreach opportunities in the region. In the spring, USD Opera produces a full main stage opera with orchestra.
Opera students find out who they are as artists as they receive individual attention and personalized guidance from dedicated, highly skilled and acclaimed faculty. Find your voice, unlock your potential and discover your passion for a lifetime.
Departments & Facilities

Music
Develop the skills necessary to be successful in your musical career while gaining lifelong friends and mentors. Whether you are interested in teaching, music performance or music history — or some combination of the three — the Department of Music will provide you with real-world experiences and connections to help you succeed.
Faculty & Staff

Join Our Live Events
Student and organization performances are livestreamed online, which all are free to "attend" virtually or in-person!

National Music Museum
Founded in 1973, the National Music Museum and Center for Study of the History of Musical Instruments is one of the great institutions of its kind in the world. Its renowned collections, which include more than 14,800 American, European and non-Western instruments from virtually all cultures and historical periods, are the most inclusive anywhere.
Students have opportunities to work in the museum, study historic instruments and perform in the concert hall.