Music

At St. Ambrose University, you can perform from the start of your undergraduate career. Join one or more of our performing groups: Marching Band, Symphonic Band, String Ensemble, University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Jazz Combo, Bella Voce, Bee Sharp, and STAMVOJA (vocal jazz ensemble). 

The number and diversity of music groups is large for a department our size, so you get all the experience you'd get at larger schools – including conducting for music education majors – but with the benefit of more attention and leadership opportunities.

You can also audition for a music scholarship – awarded annually provided you meet certain conditions. The department awards nearly $170,000 each year!

You can also perform solo, in a small ensemble on-campus or in the community, or even internationally. Read about our most recent International Tour in Europe. We give you opportunities to compose, teach, and conduct large ensembles in a public performance, which makes our Music program even more unique. If you are multi-talented, you should consider joining the SAU Marching Band.

Because SAU is located within a strong performing arts community, you will get to attend and perform at many venues, including River Music Experience, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Bix Jazz Music Festival, Mississippi Blues Festival, Nova Singers, the Adler Theatre and many more – and we're only three hours from downtown Chicago and Des Moines.

Each year, the Music Department awards more than $170,000 to talented musicians (audition required). Click here to learn more

Audition Dates
December 9, 2018 (Arts at Ambrose)
February 9, 2019
March 23, 2019

A Music major can lead to many careers, including accompanist, arranger, arts administrator, band director, composer, conductor, educator, merchandising, music critic, musical theatre, performer, songwriter, or jingle writer.

Other professional careers include arts fundraiser, event management, film music director, sound effects (foley) artist, instrument designer, music therapist, opera coach, orchestrator, recording engineer, sound design, talent scout, theatre, or concert hall manager.

Tyson Danner '07 is the Community Arts Director at Quad City Arts. Tyson also was actively involved in Davenport Junior Theatre as its Artistic Director.

Darian Auge '16, who double-majored in English and Music, is a piano instructor at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf.

Nicole Schmidt '12 earned her bachelor of Music Education and teaches music at the Prince of Peace Catholic School in Bellevue, Iowa.

Amber Grunder '09 is director of liturgy at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church in Katy, Texas.

Parker Haley '17 is teaching at Orion High School in Orion, Illinois, as well as coaching volleyball.

Allaert Auditorium and Madsen Hall both are located inside the Galvin Fine Arts Center. Campus Map

Friday, September 21, 5:00 pm
Casual Classics Concert 1- "Hip Hop Meets the Music of India"
Christylez Bacon, human beatbox, guitar, and spoons. Nistha Raj, Indian violin
Free and open to the public
Madsen Hall, Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University

Friday, September 28, 5:00 pm
Casual Classics Concert 2- "Still" with Ashlee Mack, piano, and James Romig
Free and open to the public
Madsen Hall, Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University

Friday, October 26, 7:30 pm
St. Ambrose University Fall Vocal Concert
Beautiful music exploring the senses, by the University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Bee Sharp and Bella Voce. 
Free and open to the public
Allaert Auditorium, Galvin Fine Arts Center

Saturday, October 27, 7:30 pm
St. Ambrose University Jazz Night
An exciting concert featuring music by the SAU Jazz Ensemble and STAMVOJA (vocal jazz).
Free and open to the public
Rogalski Center Ballroom

Friday, November 2, 7:30 pm
St. Ambrose University Fall Instrumental Concert
The Symphonic Band and SAU String Ensemble perform stirring wind band and string ensemble literature.
Free and open to the public
Allaert Auditorium, Galvin Fine Arts Center

Friday, November 9, 5:00 pm
Casual Classics Concert 3- "A Musical Feast": performed by St. Ambrose Faculty
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the SAU music faculty offers a tradition of musical offerings for the campus and community.
Free and open to the public
Madsen Hall, Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose University

Sunday, November 11, 3:00 pm
St. Ambrose University Fall Invitational Students Recital
A special afternoon concert showcasing talented students from the SAU music department.
Free and open to the public
Madsen Hall, Galvin Fine Arts Center

Friday, November 30, 7:00 pm
"Lessons and Carols"
A sacred concert celebrating the Advent and Christmas season, featuring the University Chorale and Chamber Singers.
Christ the King Chapel, St. Ambrose University

Friday, December 7, 7:00 pm
An Ambrosian Christmas, St. Ambrose University
Featuring the University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Symphonic Band and SAU-Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Jazz Ensemble, STAMVOJA (vocal jazz), Bee Sharp, Bella Voce and student soloists. The evening is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Allaert Auditorium, Galvin Fine Arts Center

William Campbell, Professor and Chair

Terri Buesing-Flynn, Administrative Assistant
Megan Cooney, Director of Athletic Bands
Sheila Doak, Chorale and Chamber Singers Accompanist
Thea Engelson, Instructor
Nicholas Enz, Asst. Professor and Director of Bands
Judy Hyland, Instructor
Marian Lee, Asst. Professor of Piano
Nathan Windt, Assoc. Professor

Required:
MUS 099 Concert Attendance (every semester enrolled)
MUS 201 Theory I, 2 credits
MUS 202 Theory II, 2 credits
MUS 207 Aural Skills I, 2 credits
MUS 208 Aural Skills II, 2 credits
MUS 221 Techniques for Piano, 1 credit
MUS 222 Piano Techniques II, 1 credit
MUS 301 Music Theory III, 2 credits
MUS 302 Music Theory IV, 2 credits
MUS 307 Aural Skills III, 2 credits
MUS 308, with a grade of C or better
MUS 319 Conducting
MUS 325 Music History and Literature: Antiquity to 1700
MUS 326 Music History and Literature: 1750 to 1890
MUS 327 Music History and Literature III
MUS 407 Form and Analysis

7 credits of applied major in the same instrument or voice;

Presentation of a junior (half) recital;

MUS 403 senior recital (2 credits);

Participation in a major ensemble (band, choir or orchestra) each semester of enrollment;

Choose two:
MUS 234 Percussion Techniques, 1 credit
MUS 235 Brass Techniques, 1 credit
MUS 237 Technique for Voice, 1 credit
MUS 238 Woodwind Techniques, 1 credit
MUS 242 Techniques for Studio Teaching