The Setnor School of Music offers the highest level of musical development within a major research university and supportive student body.
We encourage the widest possible range of creative options for our students, recognizing that the Western classical tradition continues to grow and expand and that it is only one in a world of myriad others.
20+
Music ensembles
Classical, jazz, funk, and rock
1877
Music department founded at Syracuse
200+
Free performances in Setnor Auditorium
Students, faculty, and guest artists
Why Choose Setnor?
Music has thrived at Syracuse University since 1877, when the Department of Music was founded and Syracuse became the first university in the United States to grant a degree in music and require four years’ study in both music and theory.
What makes the Setnor School a great place for you to study music?
- Our students: they are curious, self-motivated, and driven.
- Our faculty: they are practicing professionals and teachers with whom you can establish close, supportive relationships.
- Our programs: many offer students the opportunity to choose a course of study on their instrument or voice in either classical or jazz and commercial music.
- Our performing ensembles: we offer instrumental and choral ensembles of all sizes and musical styles.
- Our visiting artists and speakers: our lively and diverse schedule includes musicians as well as top music industry professionals.
- Our community: Setnor students and faculty form a close-knit group and love to collaborate with and challenge each other.
- Our University: unlimited opportunities for musical growth and professional development abound within the major setting of Syracuse University.
Now known as the Rose, Jules R., and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music, the school continues this proud tradition by offering professional-level training through challenging and relevant degree programs that allow talented musicians and future music industry leaders to excel both collectively and as individuals.
We believe all our areas of emphasis are interdependent and integral to the success of the school, the health of the profession, and the evolution of culture, and we therefore strive for the highest standards in every one of these degree programs.
We recognize that inherent in these endeavors is a responsibility to the campus community, the community beyond campus borders, and our culture as a whole. Hence, we are committed to serving a larger public through outreach and education, working to create an inclusive environment in which all can develop their gifts.
Undergraduate Majors
- Composition B.M.
- Music B.S.
- Music Education B.M.
- Music Industry B.M., B.M./MBA
- Performance B.M.
- Sound Recording Technology B.M.
Graduate Degree Programs
- Audio Arts M.A.
- Composition M.M.
- Conducting M.M.
- Music Education M.M./M.S.
- Performance M.M. (Organ, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, Wind Instruments)
- Voice Pedagogy M.M.
Setnor School of Music Mission Statement
To offer opportunities for the highest level of professional musical development within the context of a broad, humanistic education.
To encourage and facilitate the broadest possible range of creative options for students and faculty, recognizing that the Western classical tradition continues to grow and expand, and that it is only one in a world of myriad others.
To uphold the School’s role and responsibilities as a citizen of the community, and of the larger culture, by serving the community through outreach and education, and by creating and maintaining an inclusive environment in which all can pursue musical interests and develop their gifts.
To offer substantive musical opportunities for non-music majors from all corners of the University.
Accreditation
The Setnor School of Music is an accredited charter institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Accredited programs at Setnor include music (B.S.); composition (B.M., M.M.); conducting (M.M.); music education (B.M., M.M., M.S.); music industry (B.M.); performance (B.M., M.M.); sound recording technology (B.M.); and voice pedagogy (M.M.).
Recent Setnor School of Music News
Featured News
College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Syracuse Immersion Showcases Local Success, Career Paths for Students
College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) first-year and transfer students explored careers and interacted with local alumni, employers, and industry professionals throughout the Syracuse area on Friday, Sept. 27. Read More...
Featured News
Hitting the High Notes: Navy Band Northeast Performance Highlights Navy Week Festivities (Video)
As Navy Week sailed into Syracuse, the Navy Band Northeast showed students that they’re about much more than just “Anchors Aweigh.” On Aug. 28, two of the band’s ensembles entertained students at Setnor Auditorium at Crouse College with a variety of classical and jazz pieces. Members even led students in a singalong chorus of the pop anthem “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Read More...
Faculty News
College of Visual and Performing Arts Welcomes New Full-Time Faculty
Thirteen new full-time faculty joined the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) for the 2024-25 academic year. One of the faculty members is also the college’s new senior associate dean of academic affairs.
Read More...