Why Choose Setnor?
Music has thrived at Syracuse University since 1877, when the Department of Music was founded and Syracuse became the first university in the United States to grant a degree in music and require four years’ study in both music and theory.
What makes the Setnor School a great place for you to study music?
- Our students: they are curious, self-motivated and driven.
- Our faculty: they are practicing professionals and teachers with whom you can establish close, supportive relationships.
- Our programs: many offer students the opportunity to choose a course of study on their instrument or voice in either classical or jazz and commercial music.
- Our performing ensembles: we offer instrumental and choral ensembles of all sizes and musical styles.
- Our visiting artists and speakers: our lively and diverse schedule includes musicians as well as top music industry professionals.
- Our community: Setnor students and faculty form a close-knit group and love to collaborate with and challenge each other.
- Our University: unlimited opportunities for musical growth and professional development abound within the major setting of Syracuse University.
Now known as the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music, the school continues this proud tradition by offering professional-level training through challenging and relevant degree programs that allow talented musicians and future music industry leaders to excel both collectively and as individuals.
We believe all our areas of emphasis are interdependent and integral to the success of the school, the health of the profession and the evolution of culture, and we therefore strive for the highest standards in every one of these degree programs. We recognize that inherent in these endeavors is a responsibility to the campus community, the community beyond campus borders and our culture as a whole. Hence, we are committed to serving a larger public through outreach and education, working to create an inclusive environment in which all can develop their gifts.
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Undergraduate Programs
Music B.S.
Work extensively in music while devoting time to liberal arts studies.
Music Industry B.M., B.M./MBA
Continue performing while studying the music business.
Graduate Programs
Bandier Music Business M.S.
Build your dream career in the music business.
Conducting M.M.
Become a versatile and confident conductor in a supportive environment.
Music Education M.M., M.S.
Become a competent, independent, lifelong learner and music educator.
Performance M.M.
Attain a high level of performance and professional development skills.
Please note: the Setnor School is not accepting applications to the following programs for Fall 2026: composition B.M. and M.M., performance B.M., sound recording technology B.M., and voice pedagogy M.M.
Setnor Mission Statement
- To offer opportunities for the highest level of professional musical development within the context of a broad, humanistic education.
- To encourage and facilitate the broadest possible range of creative options for students and faculty, recognizing that the Western classical tradition continues to grow and expand, and that it is only one in a world of myriad others.
- To uphold the School’s role and responsibilities as a citizen of the community, and of the larger culture, by serving the community through outreach and education and by creating and maintaining an inclusive environment in which all can pursue musical interests and develop their gifts.
- To offer substantive musical opportunities for non-music majors from all corners of the University.
Accreditation
The Setnor School of Music is an accredited charter institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Accredited programs at Setnor include music (B.S.); composition (B.M., M.M.); conducting (M.M.); music education (B.M., M.M., M.S.); music industry (B.M.); performance (B.M., M.M.); sound recording technology (B.M.); and voice pedagogy (M.M.).
Let’s Get Started
Ready to apply or need more information? The College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Recruitment and Admissions is here to help with any questions you may have about the Setnor School of Music, including admissions requirements and opportunities to visit us.
