Your Future in Performance

The Bachelor of Arts in performance degree is ideal for students who wish to pursue extensive study in voice, piano or other instruments. Students majoring in music performance will participate in intensive studio study, solo and ensemble performances, and junior and senior recitals.

At CSU, performance majors get ample individual attention with outstanding and well-credentialed faculty who are active performers in the community and region. CSU’s mission and vision as a Christian institution of higher learning provides students the opportunity to study and understand their discipline from a Christian perspective and guides each student to develop their musical potential to its fullest.

CSU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

Star in your own show

Performance students present a 30 and 60-minute recital on campus. Students also perform at area churches, concert halls, theaters and retirement homes.

As a Performance major, you’ll take courses like…

  • Musicianship
  • Music Composition and Arranging
  • Music History and Literature
  • Pedagogy
  • Studio Voice
  • Language Diction for Musicians

Graduates are equipped for a variety of career paths.

  • Performers
  • Music Teachers
  • Private Studio Teachers
  • Arts Administrators
  • Event Managers
  • Disney Performers

You can choose from these emphases.

The Bachelor of Arts in performance (instrumental and piano) degree is for students who wish to pursue extensive instrumental study. You will have an opportunity to perfect your craft, developing technique, tone, musicianship, repertoire, stage presence, pedagogy and professionalism. Students are afforded many opportunities to perform in various ensembles as well as solo and chamber recitals to hone their abilities. You will prepare two solo recitals and also have opportunities to perform in the community at various venues and on regional, national and international trips.

The Horton School of Music performance faculty are members of and perform regularly with renowned professional music organizations such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, North Charleston Pops Orchestra and are frequent recitalists at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Members of the faculty have professional recordings and Grammy nominations to their credit. Performance major graduates are equipped to continue studies in graduate school, perform professionally, open a private studio, or pursue other avenues in arts industries.

The Bachelor of Arts in performance (vocal) degree is for students who wish to pursue extensive study in voice. The coursework for the student majoring in this degree involves intensive studio study, participation in solo and ensemble performances, and requires a 30-minute junior and a 60-minute senior recital.

This degree program offers students an opportunity to perfect their craft, delving into technique, stage presence, multilanguage diction and acting. Students are afforded many opportunities to work in various ensembles and stage productions as well as solo and chamber recitals to hone their abilities. Students prepare two solo recitals and also have opportunity to work with area ensembles such as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Summerville Orchestra, Lowcountry Voices and more. Additionally, students have many opportunities to perform both on and off campus at regional festivals, churches and schools.

 

A view from above a Horton School of Music concert on the Lightsey Chapel Auditorium stage.

Horton School of Music and Performing Arts

The Horton School of Music and Performing Arts prepares students for careers as professional musicians, educators and music therapists as well as serving as a center of musical art and culture for the Charleston region and beyond. We also provide numerous courses and performance opportunities for nonmusic majors, as well as opportunities for members of the community to learn about music as a part of human culture and experience.

explore our facilities

Lightsey Chapel Auditorium & Lightsey Music Building

The chapel seats 1,500 and is a multipurpose facility equipped with a modern stage and support equipment. The Margaret Kelly Hamrick Prayer Room is located at the front of the building. Named for W. Norris and Nell Peeples Lightsey.

The music building, located behind Lightsey Chapel, houses faculty offices for the Horton School of Music, music practice facilities and the theatre program’s Black Box Theatre. Named for Nell Peeples Lightsey.

explore our facilities

Whittington Hall

The building houses music classrooms, a rehearsal hall, music practice rooms, a music technology lab and faculty offices. Named for Jeff and Bernice Whittington.

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Studying music performance at the Horton School of Music was a life-altering experience that has prepared me well for musical success and has shaped me as a follower of Christ. While at Charleston Southern, I had the opportunity to perform frequently as a soloist, tour Europe with the Wind Ensemble, play at Carnegie Hall, and even conduct and participate in ensembles. Since graduation, I have performed as a recitalist and currently work as a music teacher, conductor and accompanist. My time at CSU left a lasting impact on me, from the musical excellence, challenging academics, and most importantly, the profound love of Christ shown in the classroom and field of music.

Brianna Jaeger / performance (piano), ’18Graduate student in the Master of Music program, Salem College

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