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

USC String Project marks 50 years of hitting the right notes

For the past 50 years, the University of South Carolina String Project has been the national model in a program that combines music lessons with community service and teacher education.

Music history professor wins teaching innovation award

University of South Carolina School of Music History Professor Sarah Williams was recently awarded the 2024 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.

In a Minor Key: Stephen Mitnaul, '09

In this inaugural feature, "In a Minor Key," we spotlight alumni who minored in music and interview them about how that minor has impacted their careers and lives.

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Upcoming Events

Graduate Vocal Ensemble

Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

Spring Chamber Music Night

Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

Ian Mahaffey Doctoral Percussion Recital

Wednesday, Apr. 17, 2024

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

View the Calendar

Opera at USC

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.