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

Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina - A Year in Review

Throughout the academic year, Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina contributes to the lively ecosystem at the USC School of Music by preparing USC music students for vibrant and sustainable futures and empowering the creative endeavors of students, faculty and staff. Join us as we look back on the 2022-2023 academic year to celebrate how Spark engaged and supported the School of Music community.

School of Music Doctoral Student brings Song to Still Hopes

Still Hopes retirement community is partnering with the University of South Carolina School of Music to give the residents a chance to sing, and a hand-picked doctoral student the opportunity to educate and inspire a generation.

School of Music Spring 2023 Awards Day

The University of South Carolina School of Music is proud to celebrate the service, scholarship, leadership and character of our outstanding student community each spring.

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Upcoming Events

Fanarelia Guerrero Lopez Doctoral Piano Recital

Tuesday, Jun. 6, 2023

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: FREE

Southeastern Piano Festival: Opening Celebration Concert

Sunday, Jun. 11, 2023

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Southeastern Piano Festival: Artist Showcase: Ying Li

Monday, Jun. 12, 2023

Location: School of Music 206 Recital Hall

Cost: TBD

View the Calendar

Summer Programs for All Ages

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.