Attain a high level of performance and professional development skills.
Admission + Audition Requirements
Students in the performance degree program build on their existing skill set to become technically proficient and musically engaging performers ready to pursue doctoral programs or enter the professional music world.
Personal attention from a supportive faculty within a collegial, friendly environment is a key component of the performance program. Setnor students are challenged to grow musically and are encouraged to think critically. The performance degree provides a rigorous curriculum that includes solo and ensemble performance opportunities in addition to courses in scholarly research, music theory, history and literature, and pedagogy.
Two full-length recitals are required in the performance degree program, demonstrating commitment to artistic growth and development.
The piano program includes emphases in both collaborative arts and performance.
Graduates of the performance program have successfully pursued careers as soloists, collaborative pianists, church musicians, members of major orchestras and opera companies, and pedagogues in academia and private studio teaching.
Performance Opportunities
The Setnor School of Music offers a wide range of opportunities for both solo and ensemble performance. Setnor students perform beyond the Syracuse area through ensemble tours in both the United States and abroad. The newly-initiated Carnegie Hall Showcase is a wonderful event in the Setnor School of Music that features solo and chamber music performances in Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall for selected students each spring.
Visit our Ensembles page for a complete list of performance opportunities.
In addition to individual recitals and ensemble concerts, students may perform in the Setnor School of Music Weekly Convocation or the Sunday afternoon Hendricks Chapel Music and Message program. Performance opportunities are also available in the greater Syracuse community.
Student organists are able to draw on a myriad of performance, church music, and arts administration opportunities both on campus and in the wider community. Student organists regularly make use of additional opportunities supported by Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse Catholic Community, and the Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists in order to make the most of their experience in Syracuse. View our list of opportunities to get a sense of what our student organists are up to.
Voice students are valued members of the professional chorus of the Syracuse Opera, sometimes performing small and larger roles. Other vocal opportunities include paid positions as section leaders in local church choirs or performing roles with the nearby Oswego Opera.