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Music Department

SUNY Oswego's music program, which offers bountiful hands-on learning opportunities, is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Through its four components—music history and literature, music theory, applied studio study, and ensemble performance—it provides both music and non-music majors with many opportunities to study and perform. Aspects of music that students can explore through our program include:

  • improving instrumental or vocal skills
  • performing with ensembles and groups
  • composing music
  • exploring audio production and technology
  • learning music theory and literature 
  • attending a wide variety of concerts throughout the year

Auditions

For the Department

No audition is required for acceptance into the Music Department. However, by the end of the first two years of study, students who wish pursue the Performance track must audition.

For Lessons

For individual lessons, email one of the professors below:

For Ensembles

Visit our Ensembles page and contact the ensemble director for audition information.

State Singers & Applied Vocal Instruction

Fall 2023 auditions are open to all majors, minors, and non-majors. Sign up Sheets are outside Tyler 114 for time slots and to pick up audition music.

We will contact everyone who auditions and let you know whether or not you have been placed for lessons. If we have room for you, we will then help you register for lessons.

Applied Voice Lessons

Thesse are private, one-on-one lessons with a teacher. Lessons are a credit-bearing academic class for one or two credits (MUS 341 or MUS 441). Lessons are granted through an audition process as we have limited openings each year. For more more information, or to schedule an audition, please submit the Interest Form below or email Dr. Li. 

Audition material

We want to hear you at your best! First and foremost, choose a song that you feel extremely comfortable with. If you have sheet music, please bring it with you. Your selection can be Musical Theater, classical (such as a previous NYSSMA solo), or pop. Even if you don't have anything prepared, still come and we will vocalize!

Advisement

Your assigned advisor is viewable in DegreeWorks. Contact them for questions about degree progress and scheduling. For questions or concerns pertaining to your assigned advisor, or if you need an advisor, contact Advisement Coordinator Dr. Eric Schmitz at [email protected].

Resources and Links

Career in Music Music Student Handbook Health and Safety for Students
SCMA homepage Music Research Guide Arts in Higher Ed Consortium

Fees

Students taking Individual Instruction (Applied Voice, Piano, Strings, etc.) are charged $30.00 per credit hour per semester. This fee covers master classes, music, accompanying, rental fees, etc.

A discipline specific Institutional Fee of $100.00 is charged to all Music Majors and Minors each semester. This fee is used for replacement/repair/rebuilding of large departmental resources, including pianos, other instruments, and common resources shared by all. 

Contact Us

Department Chair

Juliet Forshaw
107 Tyler Hall

Department Secretary

Sally Vanburen
119 Tyler Hall
315-312-2130