Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts
In Webster University’s Department of Music, students collaborate in noteworthy performance ensembles, integrate the study of music theory, history and literature into practice and pursue excellence on a primary instrument in applied lessons, all under the direction of outstanding artists and teachers.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), we have 16 undergraduate and graduate programs including Music Education, Instrumental and Vocal Performance, Composition, Songwriting and a first-in-the-country Bachelor of Music in Music Direction for Musical Theatre. Explore more about our curriculum, which promotes a collaborative environment while fostering a lifelong habit of excellence in performance, creativity, scholarship and teaching.
BM in Composition with an Emphasis in Concert Music, ’26
[Instrumental music]
Text on screen: Webster University
Text on screen: Department of Music, “Inspiring Faculty”
Text on screen: Sophie Shugart, ’19
[Shugart sits and talks in Loretto-Hilton Center.]
Sophie Shugart: The faculty are amazing. They are so attentive; very funny; everyone's very outgoing.
Text on screen: Danielle Feinstein, ’17
[Feinstein sits in the theatre of Loretto-Hilton Center.]
Danielle Feinstein: Faculty do everything they can to help guide you and inspire you as a musician.
Aaron Brown: You can talk to a professor about anything.
[Photo of a professor sitting at a piano. Photo of a student singing while looking at sheet music on a music stand.]
Text on screen: Aaron Brown, ’17
[Brown sitting and talking in an academic building along a corridor.]
Brown: They will take the time out of their day after the class to help you out, and that's coming, that's great.
[Shugart sits and talks in Loretto-Hilton Center.]
Shugart: If I ever get worried about something, I could go to my faculty or can go to fellow students who are already there or further along than me that can definitely help.
[Photo of students sit at a round table with laptops, cell phones, homework, books, pens and papers, discussing assignments.]
[Photo of two students sitting at a desk with Music Professor Jeffrey Carter.]
[Feinstein in Loretto-Hilton Center theatre.]
Feinstein: The most interesting thing I've learned is that it's OK to ask for help because at the end of the day — all of your professors, all of your friends want to help you succeed.
[Photo of orchestra pit with students playing music.]
[Photo of choral students sing while holding sheet music.]
Feinstein: So if you can't do it by yourself, that's OK. They are here for you and that is a really unique and important part of our community in the music department.
[Webster University logo]
Text on screen: webster.edu/music
[Instrumental music gets louder and then finishes.]
Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). An important marker of standing among music programs in the U.S., NASM establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines.
Music Scholarships up to $5,000 per year are available to Music majors who participate in a live audition. Preference is given to those students who audition prior to March 1.
For more information, please email Andrew Laue, Associate Director of Fine Arts Admissions at lauear@webster.edu.
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The Community Music School of Webster University has provided outstanding music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and skill levels since 1925. Individual lessons form the foundation, with more than 90 faculty teaching band and orchestra instruments, piano and voice. Other programs include early childhood classes, Suzuki Strings program, String Ensemble, String Orchestra, two full orchestras (YPCO and YPSO), CMS Jazz Collective, chamber music including the Preparatory Program for advanced students, summer camps and the Young Composers Competition.
The CMS Jazz Collective at the Community Music School welcomes students playing traditional jazz instruments and introduces them to jazz styles from the 1930s through today. Musicians from middle and high school join college and professional jazz musicians to develop core jazz competencies such as improvisation, ensemble interaction and personal musicianship. Prior jazz experience is encouraged but not required.
Webster's international campus network creates unique study abroad opportunities including study abroad for music students in Vienna, Austria. In this beautiful city, music students join classmates from dozens of other countries for a truly global education. Our programs have been carefully designed to ensure music students in St. Louis can study for a term in Vienna, typically during spring of junior year.
Discover more about our relevant and hands-on curriculum across a variety of fields and disciplines.
May 12, 2025
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