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 Concert Choir Selected for National Conference in Atlanta

The USC Concert Choir has been selected to perform for the 2023 biennial conference of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO).

USC School of Music Forms Armed Services Veterans Band

Military service members and veterans in the Midlands now have a unique opportunity to make music with their peers.

From CAE to NYC

Start spreadin' the news.... For the first time in its history, "the musical magic of the Carolina Band" will fill the air with music in New York City next year when they perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

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Upcoming Events

Rock on the Dock at the Plaza

Monday, Oct. 2, 2023

Location: See Description for Event Location., Koger Center Plaza Stage

Cost: FREE

Harnsberger/Jones Duo Guest Artist Recital

Monday, Oct. 2, 2023

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

Wen-Yu Hsu Graduate French Horn Recital

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

View the Calendar

Parker Quartet Fall Concert

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.