Performance Labs

At Missouri's only dedicated campus to the visual and performing arts, you won't just learn theory. You'll step right into playing your instrument, singing, or performing in your first semester.

Musicians develop their craft through practice and performance. SEMO provides professional-grade studios, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues where students refine their technique and prepare for careers in music. These facilities give you the space and resources to master your instrument.

Performance Spaces

  • SEMO music students perform on stage in Bedell Hall for a full audience

    Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall

    You'll perform in front of 950 people here. You can play in the orchestra pit, the stage is professional-grade, and the acoustics are built for musicals, concerts, and full ensemble performances.

  • SEMO music majors perform in a small quartet in Shuck recital hall

    Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall

    This 205-seat hall still has the original stained glass from when it was a chapel. The acoustics favor intimate performances, solo recitals, and chamber music where every detail matters.

  • a group of theatre students rehearse a performance in rust flexible theatre

    Rust Flexible Theatre

    A black box theatre means you configure the space for what the performance needs. Experimental work, new pieces, workshops. The room adapts to the music, not the other way around.

Most of the practice and performance spaces at SEMO are located at the River Campus. There are rooms available to you as a student to perform, practice, or record. The Cultural Arts Center houses the Bedell Performance Hall, the River Campus Seminary is home to Shuck Recital Hall, and Dobbins Hall hosts practice rooms so you don't disturb your roommates. 

 

Training Spaces

  • violin students at SEMO practice together during class time

    Classrooms

    Purpose-built rooms with proper acoustics, pianos, and the technology you need for theory, ear training, and composition work. These spaces are designed for how musicians actually learn.

  • a SEMO horn student plays in the practice room at Dobbins

    Practice Rooms

    They're where the training happens, they're available when you need them, and you can work without worrying about who you're bothering.

  • a SEMO student sits at a desk full of sound and recording equipment in the recording studio

    Recording Studio

    This space features professional recording equipment and production software. You'll learn how to engineer sessions, mix tracks, and understand what your performance sounds like through different systems.

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Special Venues

  • a wide view of the Academic Hall Auditorium room looking up through the seats

    Academic Hall

    The steel drum band performs each year in the event "Steel Under The Dome" concert in the Academic Hall Auditorium on Southeast Missouri State University's main campus.

  • the SEMO marching band performs on Houck field during a football game, wearing their marching band uniforms

    Houck Stadium

    The SEMO athletic bands including the Marching Band and Show Band play at Houck Stadium. In these bands you can perform at Redhawk football games and other outdoor events. 

  • a quartet of SEMO string students perform together for the 150th ball

    Show Me Center

    SEMO musicians play for special events at the Show Me Center including commencement and sporting events. This is one of the largest venues you will play in as a SEMO musician. 

Performance Venues

a view of bedell performance hall from behind a set of drums on the stage
a view of shuck recital hall from the piano on stage looking out at the audience seats
a member of the SEMO marching band poses on houck field holding her uniform hat and instrument
SEMO music students perform at the Show Me Center for Dr Hodson's inauguration

Music

Contact Us

Location

River Campus Seminary, 254

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 7800
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701