Saint Michael's College

What you'll study

The programme blends core music studies with practical theatre and performance courses. Typical music modules include music theory and analysis, aural skills/ear training, music history and literature, applied lessons (private instruction on principal instrument or voice) and ensemble participation (chorus, chamber groups, orchestra, jazz ensemble). Students also study conducting, composition or arranging, and music technology such as notation software, recording fundamentals and digital audio workstations.

For the theatre component, courses cover acting technique, voice and speech for the stage, movement, script analysis, stagecraft and technical theatre, rehearsal practice and directing. There is particular emphasis on collaborative, project‑based learning: students routinely combine music and theatre skills in staged productions, musical theatre workshops and chamber operas.

Degree structure typically requires a balance of core liberal‑arts requirements, a music major sequence (theory, history, applied lessons, ensembles, and a senior capstone or recital), and elective choices that allow concentration in areas such as performance, composition, music education or musical theatre. Students are encouraged to present recitals, participate in college productions, and undertake applied research or creative projects under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to a high school diploma. Admission to the music programme usually requires a successful audition demonstrating proficiency on the applicant's principal instrument or voice; audition formats may include prepared pieces, sight‑reading, and a brief interview or discussion of musical background. Theatre applicants may be asked to provide a short acting audition or portfolio of performance work if pursuing musical theatre or theatre coursework.

Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement, and at least one academic or character reference. International applicants should provide evidence of language proficiency where applicable. Some students may be eligible for placement into higher‑level theory or applied lessons based on entrance examination or prior study.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of careers in the arts and education. Common paths include performing as instrumentalists or vocalists across classical, jazz and contemporary genres; working in community music or arts education; and roles in theatre production such as stage management, technical direction, or musical direction. Many alumni continue to graduate study in performance, composition, conducting, music therapy, or music education (for which additional certification may be required depending on jurisdiction).

Other career options include arts administration, concert production, audio engineering and music technology roles, freelance musicianship, and teaching in private studios. The liberal‑arts foundation also supports transitions into related fields such as nonprofit management, cultural programming and creative entrepreneurship.

Why study at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's offers a small‑college setting with close mentorship from faculty who are active performers, directors and scholars. Students benefit from regular ensemble and production opportunities that allow for practical, hands‑on learning and public performance experience.

The college’s liberal‑arts curriculum encourages interdisciplinary study so music students can combine their training with theatre, dance, humanities or education courses. The campus community supports collaborative projects and community engagement, and the college’s location near regional arts venues provides access to wider performance and internship opportunities.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students seeking personalised instruction, frequent performance and a flexible curriculum that bridges music and theatre within a liberal‑arts framework.