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

In celebration of 100 years of enhancing student life, university culture and the greater community, the University of South Carolina School of Music has launched Sing Thy High Praise: 100 Years of Music at Carolina. The year-long celebration honors the school, its people and lasting influence through special performances and events, anniversary stories and more.

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

Swimming With the Blowfish!

What's the best way to kick off your fall semester as a Music Industries Student here at the USC School of Music? Hanging out with the Blowfish, of course!

Investments in jazz program reverberate with growing reputation and enthusiasm

The University of South Carolina's jazz studies program is reaping the positive vibes of a revitalized, growing program envisioned by School of Music Dean Tayloe Harding.

Freeman Sundays premiere alumni compositions to highlight School of Music centennial

Freeman Sundays is among the concerts and special performances with a centennial flair to commemorate the School of Music's 100th anniversary. Designed to showcase its programs, students and faculty, the theme for the yearlong celebration, "Sing Thy High Praise: 100 Years of Music at Carolina," is pulled from the first line of USC's alma mater.

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Sing Thy High Praise: 100 Years of Music at Carolina

In celebration of 100 years of enhancing student life, university culture and the greater community, the University of South Carolina School of Music has launched Sing Thy High Praise: 100 Years of Music at Carolina. The year-long celebration honors the school, its people and lasting influence through special performances and events, anniversary stories and more.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

First Thursdays at Market on Main

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024

Location: See Description for Event Location.

Cost: Free, with purchase of food or drink.

Side by Side Concert: Concert Choir and University Chorus

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024

Location: See Description for Event Location.

Cost: FREE

Southern Exposure: BlackBox Ensemble

Friday, Oct. 4, 2024

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

View the Calendar

School of Music

Southern Exposure

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.