Music

Oswego's music department is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. With programs designed to provide talented students with a wide range of experiences in music history and literature, music theory, and performance, there is something for everyone. For those who have a passion for music, a wide variety of music classes are available. It does not matter if you major in music or not.

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Majors in the Music Department

• Music

Our music department offers a Bachelor of Arts in music. Many different career options are available by combining music with another major or a minor in a related field. 

Minors in the Music Department

• Music
• Audio Design and Production

Our music department also participates in several interdisciplinary minors, such as Arts Management, Expressive Arts Therapy and the Arts Concentration for Childhood Education. Combining various majors and minors makes your opportunities for jobs that much greater.

Certificate Programs in the Music Department

• Piano Performance Certificate

Opportunities

You can participate in any ensemble regardless of major, including Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, College-Community Orchestra, Festival Chorus, College Choir and State Singers. Students can also perform in annual music theatre and opera productions, and in chamber groups. In addition to our many student performances, SUNY Oswego's music department hosts many concerts given by its own faculty and other visiting professional musicians. At Oswego, we feel it is important to give you the chance to learn and work closely with those successful in the field. You will get a first hand look at what it takes and means to be an active musician.

Mu Beta Psi, a national honorary music fraternity, and Pi Kappa Lambda, a national music honor society, offer exceptional students the opportunity to provide service to the department and greater community. Through working with a group of people who share a common love for music, lifelong friends will be made and bonds will be formed.

SUNY Oswego takes pride in its rich history of talented, passionate musicians and hopes to continue this tradition with the addition of new talented students like you for years to come.

Facilities at Oswego 

Located next to shimmering Glimmerglass Lagoon with views of Lake Ontario, Tyler Hall — currently undergoing renovations but reopening in fall 2016 with upgraded facilities — houses the Music Department and offers a rich array of resources available to all students on campus including Waterman Theater. Named after emeritus Music Professor Mary Waterman, the hall seats 450 and is the site of many of our large ensemble concerts and large-scale combined works. A fully outfitted recording studio, MIDI lab, large rehearsal rooms and over 50 pianos are also available to our students along with a piano lab and SMART classrooms. When added to the caring and dedicated expertise of our talented faculty we have all the necessary ingredients for a life-changing musical experience.