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Two students review pieces of choir music.

Popular Music

We teach you more than how to make a catchy song. The popular music minor at the University of St. Thomas gives you with the fundamental skills and performance experiences to launch a successful career in contemporary music.

Why Study Popular Music at St. Thomas?

Our curriculum combines individual instruction with performance in ensembles in a variety of popular music and genres such as rock, R&B, blues, jazz and Latin. You learn what is needed to arrange, record and produce music while developing a strong knowledge in instrumental and vocal techniques, music theory and songwriting.

Going Back to Your Roots

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Internship Opportunities
  • Course Requirements

    You learn how to be a musician by focusing on the fundamental elements of popular music, transitioning to courses exploring songwriting and composition. You then choose from a variety of courses focusing on the history of various genres of music, how to arrange music and more. The best part? You gain practical performance experience by participating in one of our award-winning ensembles.

    Four-Year Plan

    You can pair this minor with a number of other programs, so we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Popular Music

    Internship Opportunities

    Popular music minors have an abundance of internships available to them. Our students have interned with companies like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, iHeartMedia, Egg Music, Sony Music Entertainment and Tinderbox Music. You will work closely with faculty on finding an internship that suits your interests.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You learn how to be a musician by focusing on the fundamental elements of popular music, transitioning to courses exploring songwriting and composition. You then choose from a variety of courses focusing on the history of various genres of music, how to arrange music and more. The best part? You gain practical performance experience by participating in one of our award-winning ensembles.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    You can pair this minor with a number of other programs, so we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your degree early on in your college career at the University of St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Popular Music

    Internship Opportunities

    Internship Opportunities

    Popular music minors have an abundance of internships available to them. Our students have interned with companies like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, iHeartMedia, Egg Music, Sony Music Entertainment and Tinderbox Music. You will work closely with faculty on finding an internship that suits your interests.

    Unique Opportunities Inside and Outside of the Classroom

    A popular music minor from the University of St. Thomas will cultivate your musical abilities while fostering a robust knowledge of the music industry.

    Top 10

    Minneapolis ranks in the top 10 most creatively vital cities in the United States with creative sectors generating $4.5 billion each year.

    Award-Winning

    Faculty are innovating in the field, winning awards for their musical and scholarly contributions to the industry.

    Robust Portfolio and Network

    You will build your own portfolio and a strong professional network throughout your undergraduate career at St. Thomas.

    Individuals communicating in a recording studio.

    Career Paths

    We will provide you with the academic knowledge and practical skills to be successful in a variety of careers after graduation.

    • Lyricist
    • Recording artist
    • Studio musician
    • Music producer
    • Digital content producer
    • Commercial composer

    Scholarships

    Music Major Scholarship

    The Music Major Scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,000 per year. Admitted students planning to major in music, music performance, music business or music education are encouraged to apply. Supporting materials are due by February 1, and selected applicants receive an audition invitation for the scholarship invitational in the spring.

    Loftus Family Alternative Music Creativity Award

    This award is available to any current St. Thomas student demonstrating great potential in their ability to instigate and sustain artistic creativity through music performance, composition or production. Music faculty can nominate any candidate.

    Mary O. Petra Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Music

    This scholarship is available to any current St. Thomas student pursuing a major or minor in music. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Music faculty can nominate candidates, and students participating in ensembles receive preference.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.