“Music is the rhythm of head and heart.”
—Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 213
Our curriculum and music events support the pursuit of artistic excellence and academic study. You’ll develop musical knowledge and ability through coursework, private instruction, and frequent performance opportunities. We also provide training in theory (fundamentals through species and florid counterpoint), history (ancient through contemporary and world studies), analysis (structural and harmonic), and performance studies in chamber music, large ensembles, solo repertoire, and composition. Over the course of your studies, you'll develop an appreciation for the rich variety of musical expression that enables greater understanding among peoples.
Majors and Minors Offered
- Music (BA major)
- Music Studies (BA major)
- Music Studies: Producer/Performer (BA major)
- Music General Emphasis (minor)
- Music Technology (minor)
Why Study Music at Principia College?
- We combine the critical elements of a university-caliber music program with the benefits of a small, liberal arts college.
- We train students to be professional and community musicians, from ensembles and solo performance to music production.
- We prepare students for career-based internships in music and music production around the country, often leading directly to employment after college.
- We nurture musical growth through frequent opportunities to perform.
- Our recently-renovated production studio features state-of-the-art recording equipment.
- We offer studio lessons with faculty on campus and in partnership with expert teachers at St. Louis Symphony, Lindenwood University, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and others.
- Our world-class concert organs and practice organs support concert and sacred music performance and student lessons during the semester.
- We have regular public carillon concerts and offer lessons on the instrument, supported by our Rainwater Carillon Endowment.
- Our students perform around the U.S. with Principia’s Arts on Tour.
- Our music majors complete a senior capstone project in one of the following areas: performance, theory, composition, or music history.
- Our students regularly matriculate to top graduate schools.
- Principia is recognized as an All-Steinway School for its collection of high-quality pianos.
- Our students attend St. Louis Symphony concerts through generous funding of Music Department donors..
Abroads
Principia abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program and all abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests. The music abroads to France, Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Germany are popular among both music students and students interested in business, education, history, leadership, mass communication, philosophy, sciences and other fields.
Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and departmental learning outcomes.
