Department of Music

Are you ready to hone and share your talents with the world?

You’ll study music at SEMO with professional faculty who are active in the music industry and committed to your growth through performances, masterclasses, and hands-on learning that prepares you for a successful music career. The Department of Music offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees.

SEMO is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Music Academic Programs

The Department of Music offers instruction in all areas of musical study, including music education, performance, composition, electronic composition and world music.

Undergrad Programs

Experiential Learning

At SEMO we make sure you get the experience you need to find your fearless. We offer opportunities to play in a variety of ensembles on and off campus. You don't even have to be a music major to participate!

Explore Performing Ensembles

Auditions

Feeling fearless and interested in showing your musical talent? We'll need you to audition first. Whether you're interested in entering our music programs here at SEMO or if you're a talented musician earning a different major wanting to join an ensemble, we've got opportunities for you.

Music Major Auditions Ensemble Auditions

Department of Music

1 of 10 Yamaha Institutions of Excellence

SEMO is among the first institutions named a "Yamaha Institution of Excellence." This award recognizes our strong commitment to creative music education and our dedication to providing you with unique, challenging experiences.
95% Job Placement

Music Education graduates achieve a job placement percentage of over 95% with the help of our tremendous faculty and staff who prepare our students for careers in the musical field.
Master Classes

You'll perform for your peers and receive feedback from instructors or guest artists in masterclasses, workshops, and residencies. These sessions cover technical skills, musical ideas, and career advice in a conservatory-style group setting.
Music Days

We offer Music Major Days where we invite you to experience what all we have to offer in the Department of Music. We encourage that you audition while you are here, but we also welcome those who aren't planning to audition.

Summer Camps

Southeast's Department of Music is offering summer band camps for middle and high school band students this year. Your student can participate in workshops with experienced educators, learn something new, and perform in a concert at the end of the camp.

View Camps

SEMO students practice outside on the River campus grounds

Clark Terry - Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival

Celebrate jazz at the Clark Terry/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival. The festival features a guest artist, and you can perform with your student band at this premier regional jazz event.

Explore the Jazz Festival

Music Academy

The Music Academy at Southeast Missouri State University is dedicated to enriching the lives of its students by stimulating a lifelong appreciation of music. Its professional faculty offers musical instruction to students of all ages and abilities to guide in the development of basic musical and performing skills.

Learn more about the Music Academy

a young participant in SEMO's music academy practices the violin

River Campus Performances

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Accreditation

Southeast Missouri State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

National Association of Schools of Music 
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21 
Reston, VA 20190-5248 
(703) 437-0700 Phone 
(703) 437-6312 Fax
info@arts-accredit.org

Mission and Vision for the Department of Music

Our expert faculty provide a student-centered curriculum to develop the artistic, intellectual, and multicultural competence needed to excel in the modern world of music. Experiential learning opportunities prepare students for professional careers in music performance, creation, and education, and to be transformative participants in their communities. The Department of Music seeks to be a nationally known music program, recognized for musical and academic excellence.

Determined. Committed. Fearless.

When Jordan came to SEMO, she had a passion for music and a dream of turning it into a career.
She knew she could be a band director, but didn’t realize how many other doors a music performance degree could open.
With support from experienced faculty, Jordan honed her performance skills through concerts and national competitions while gaining leadership experience most music majors don’t get until graduate school.
Small class sizes and one-on-one attention help you build confidence and step into leadership sooner, giving you experience other music programs can’t.
These experiences are what set SEMO apart. You’re building your resume from day one.
Now, Jordan feels prepared for graduate school and whatever comes next because of the foundation she built here. Check out her story to see how a music performance degree from SEMO can launch your fearless future.