Drawing on St. Olaf’s longstanding tradition of service learning and academic civic engagement, students in this major will learn to think critically about music’s ability to foster connection, strengthen community, and effect reparative justice. Balancing studies in music performance, music theory, musicology, and civic engagement, students will develop habits of critical inquiry as well as deep appreciation for a variety of musical approaches to community building and repair. Students will also develop skills as performers, composers, listeners, and writers, and will apply those skills in the service of a purpose inclusive of – but ultimately broader than – self-improvement.
Typical First-Year Schedule
Fall
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- World Language
- MUSIC 112
- OLE Core/Elective
- MUSIC 161 or Keyboard Proficiency Exam
- Music Lesson*
january term
- OLE Core/Elective
Spring
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Conversation Program
- World Language
- MUSIC 114
- MUSIC 141 (or Fall of sophomore year)
- OLE Core/Elective
- MUSIC 162 (Piano Class II, 0.25 credit)
- Music Lesson*
Additional Information
*Additionally, music majors must take music lessons and participate in a musical ensemble. (B.A. lessons are 0.25 credit, B.M. lessons are 1.0 credit.
Students may not double major in Music for Social Impact (B.A.) and any other music major (B.A. or B.M.)
- Visit the Music Dept’s New Student page for more information.
- Students with a background in music composition can take MUSIC 223 (Composition).
- Lessons: All St. Olaf students are welcome to sign up for music lessons by completing the appropriate lesson request form or contacting Lisa McDermott (mcderm6@stolaf.edu) per the information in the Music Handbook.
- Music Ensembles: All St. Olaf students are welcome to audition for music ensembles. Complete the music interest questionnaire available in the New Student Checklist or contact Barb Barth (barth@stolaf.edu).
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS COURSEWORK
- No major credit is offered for pre-college transfer courses, although students receive 1 credit if they earn a 5 on the AP Music Theory exam.
Placement
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Musicianship RegistrationEvery incoming music major should register for Music 112, regardless of any prior experiences. Once AP scores are available, the Department may recommend a change to Music 114 for incoming music majors who earned a score of 5. In addition, a more robust placement exam may be offered during New Student Orientation.
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Keyboard RegistrationEvery incoming music major should register for Music 161 unless they have significant experience with piano or organ, who should register for piano or organ lessons. For students who are unsure about the level of their keyboard skills, a keyboard placement screening will be offered during New Student Orientation.
Informational Events
Nothing available at this time.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Chair, Department of Music – Louis Epstein (epstein@stolaf.edu)
Associate Chair, Department of Music – Tracy Engleman (engleman@stolaf.edu)