Home : Student Resources : Music Department General Information

Music Department General Information

The Saint Mary’s University Music Department is a distinct community of creative people; our dedicated and talented faculty work in partnership with our students, learning with and from each another in a caring, Christian environment.

Students anticipating majoring in music should take music fundamentals, applied lessons, ensembles, and Experiencing Music during their freshman year. Music Performance and Music Education majors should take piano class and/or piano lessons until they are able to pass the required piano proficiency examination, taken during the Junior year. Many courses are offered in a rotating biennial schedule; students are responsible for completing required courses when they are offered.

Students are officially admitted to the music performance, industry or education programs upon successful completion of the sophomore review, which includes a portfolio assessment, essays and juried performance examination.

Housed primarily in St. Yon’s Hall, the Music Department enjoys a park-like setting among the bluffs and St. Yon’s field. The building includes facilities for large and small ensemble rehearsals, a multi-media music classroom, faculty offices and teaching studios, the music department office with a reception/meeting room, the MIDI/Music Technology studio, the class piano/computer lab, and practice rooms, and instrument storage areas.

Room usage: The music department rehearsal spaces and classrooms, as well as the instrumental storage room are equipped with combination controlled lock boxes to allow you access to the rooms when they are not being used for classes or rehearsals. You must treat this responsibility with respect; rooms must be locked when no one is using them for security reasons. There are thousands of dollars worth of equipment and instruments at risk when a door is left unlocked.

Due to the sharing of this building with the Christian Brothers, no loud ensemble rehearsals are allowed after 10:00 PM. (You may practice in the practice rooms until midnight.)

Practice rooms: Practice rooms are available to all SMU student musicians. There are eight practice rooms available in the lower level of Yon’s hall; other rehearsal and classroom spaces are open to students for individual or small group practice when not already in use for class or rehearsal. Other locations on campus to practice include the Music Listening Room in the Toner Center for piano practice as well as the dressing rooms in the Page Theatre, both near the recital hall and downstairs areas. These practice rooms are open to students except when being used during a production. Some residence halls are flexible regarding your practice, some even have a music room with a piano, please check with your RA for specific information. There may be a secluded room which is available to you without disturbing residents.

School Instruments: There are a limited number of school owned instruments available for your use at no charge if you are playing in an instrumental ensemble. These are checked out to you by your ensemble director, you are responsible for all reeds and other necessary accessories.