School of Music

The School of Music transforms lives through excellence in music teaching, performance, creative activities, research and service.

The Power and Promise of Music

We prepare musicians for professional careers and leadership in music teaching, performance, composition, research and related fields, by offering more than 20 degree programs.

The School of Music enriches the musical life of the university and the Midlands by offering more than 300 concerts and recitals a year. Orchestras, choirs, opera, chamber ensembles and guest artist concerts — most are free to attend — take place in beautiful venues like the Koger Center for the Arts, the School of Music’s Recital Hall and Johnson Performance Hall in the Darla Moore School of Business.

The School also boasts one of America's most robust and inspiring community engagement programs, MUSIC FOR YOUR LIFE, where folks of all ages and from all neighborhoods can study and experience the beauty of music and music-making through accessible and affordable opportunities for music enrichment made available by School faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends including workshops, classes, camps, lessons, and clinics.

music for the public good We believe music is an essential component of the human experience. Our mission is to prepare our students to be skilled music leaders to ensure that they advance the quality of life in their communities by helping to make others happier, healthier, more hopeful and more fulfilled through the power of music. We do this not only by advancing musical instruction at the highest level for students' professional preparation, but also by leveraging the actual daily work done by students and faculty in the teaching and learning of music to unlock music’s unlimited potential to improve lives throughout the Midlands and beyond.

School of Music News

Whittaker Composition Commission to Premiere in April

A composer's dream is to write a piece that receives its world premiere by first-rate musicians. University of South Carolina School of Music doctoral student, Shupeng Cao, received this opportunity when he was chosen as the first recipient of the newly created Whittaker Composition Commission Fund award.

Awadagin Pratt: Piano Virtuoso and Music Education Advocate

Awadagin Pratt is no stranger to performing on the University of South Carolina stages, having appeared at our Southeastern Piano festival in 2021. The acclaimed and award-winning pianist is not just a favorite of USC, but a national favorite on college and university performing arts series across the country.

The Mighty Sound of the Southeast Performs at TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks will face off against Notre Dame at the 78th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on December 30 in Jacksonville, FL. The entire Carolina Band -- all 360 members -- plus band directors, staff and assistants will help bring the energy to this historic bowl.

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Upcoming Events

Luise E. Peake Music & Culture Colloquium Series: Awadagin Pratt “Black in America” Livestream

Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

Location: See Description for Event Location.

Cost: FREE

Southern Exposure New Music Series - Stillpoint: Awadagin Pratt

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023

Location: Darla Moore School of Business 101 - Johnson Performance Hall

Cost: FREE

Pedro and Anna Rubio Guest Artist Clarinet Recital

Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

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USC Symphony Orchestra

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.