At Gustavus, the beauty of making music is open to everyone. Music is essential to the liberal arts experience, no matter your major or field of study. That's why over a third of students at Gustavus study music through one of the numerous ensembles or courses in theory, history, appreciation, pedagogy, and performance. What sets music at Gustavus apart are the world-class professors devoted to your individual success. Gustavus's music program is a supportive, enthusiastic community of excellence. There are abundant opportunities to grow as a musician from performing at the highest level and touring with an ensemble to learning a new instrument. There are dozens of performance ensembles and the freedom to experiment, create, and share. Whether you're jamming in a jazz band, singing an opera duet in Björling Recital Hall, or performing in one of the great concert venues around the world you will have life-changing musical experiences with a nationally acclaimed department.
As a music student at Gustavus Adolphus, you will be part of a strong and engaged community of performers and creators in Minnesota, a state known to have a vibrant music and arts scene. Located in Saint Peter, the beautiful Gustavus Adolphus campus is a perfect place to build close-knit relationships with proximity to big-city concerts and opportunities. You're minutes away from medium-sized Mankato and an hour from the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With extensive offerings and highly accomplished faculty, Gustavus is an ideal place to be your next musical home.
A music degree from Gustavus will prepare you beyond mastering your craft. Our program has the high-rigor like a conservatory education yet allows you the flexibility to design your path in the major. Through your courses, you will explore music through theoretical concepts and applications, global and historical perspectives, aural and analytical skills, and performance techniques. You may choose departmental honors, as well as specialize your degree with electives around special interests in music. Graduates of the program are well-rounded, accomplished professionals.
Touring is a chance to grow musically, gain new perspectives, and deepen relationships. On tour, Gusties inspire young musicians working in high schools and perform in amazing concert venues around the United States and the world from Chicago to Sweden, Italy, and Spain. The Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Gustavus Jazz Ensemble, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, and the Gustavus Choir travel domestically or internationally every year. Touring creates great musical moments and memories.
There are a wealth of opportunities to perform at Gustavus. Students of any major can audition for the 25+ vocal and instrumental ensembles or choose to be a part of one of the many student-led groups. The Music Department sponsors over 240 recitals, concerts, and colloquiums annually, including the award-winning nationally broadcasted Christmas in Christ Chapel. The music faculty are eager to find a way for you to be involved in music, including lessons available at all levels.
Explore the Opportunities in Music
You'll find Gustavus musicians everywhere. They're running experiments in the chemistry lab, performing their hearts out in Christ Chapel services, and winning games on the athletic field. Check out the ways Gustie musicians shine, on and off the stage.
“Music in particular is always experiential, and by performing and participating in local and global tours I learn both the importance of music but also the significance and impact of music on others.” Having a minor in music has given Sophia the opportunity to integrate her three majors – Political Science, Spanish, and Latin American/Latinx […]
The music program at Gustavus is the ideal option for you. Because music at Gustavus is flexible to meet the musical interests for students wanting to major in music to be a professional performer or teacher; students who want to major or minor in music and also combine this with another career path; or students who wants to continue with their passion for music and have another major and involvements on campus. You can make music as intensive as you wish, from the height of musical excellence to the joyful casual participant. At every level, you will be guided by award-winning and student-focused faculty.
11:30am | Christ Chapel
3:30pm | Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall
7:30pm | Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall
Dr. Heidi Miller has been a faculty member for a decade, conducting the Gustavus Wind Symphony, teaching courses in music education, theory, and conducting, as well as being a highly visible member of the department, conducting at the Bjorling Music festival and representing the college at numerous other festivals throughout the US and abroad. Of […]
