Music for the Public Good
The University of South Carolina School of Music believes in the transformative power of music and strives to be a national leader in celebrating the joys of a musical life. Demonstrating our commitment to making music accessible to everyone, our students and faculty actively participate in a wide range of curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs that foster community engagement and public impact.
The joy we experience through listening to or creating music enriches our lives—making us happier, healthier, safer, more fulfilled, and more hopeful. We aspire to be a national leader in empowering our musical community to broaden their creative and intellectual horizons, develop new skills, and express themselves with confidence and artistry.
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Music Education
USC’s music teacher education programs offer various specializations, including early childhood/elementary, choral, orchestras and winds/percussion.
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Pedagogy
Our Master of Music and Doctor Musical Arts Pedagogy degrees prepare students for private or faculty-level teaching careers. We are proud to have the only comprehensive piano pedagogy program in the United States.
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Community Engagement Degrees
The USC School of Music offers a Master’s degree in Performance with a concentration in Community Engagement and a Community Engagement Doctoral Minor.
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Music Teaching Artistry
Our music teaching artistry program prepares musicians to become the music teachers of tomorrow while providing significant performance, teaching, leadership and research opportunities.
Community & Student Engagement
Our students and faculty engage in curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular public education and outreach. Short-term projects with community partners offer additional opportunities to address community needs through music.
InitiativesStudent Resources
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Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina
Spark offers coursework, project support, guest residencies and other initiatives to students and faculty to foster an environment of creative learning, skill development and personal exploration.
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Luise E. Peake Music & Culture Colloquium
The Luise E. Peake Music & Culture Colloquium is a public event series dedicated to showcasing diverse programming and guests, especially emerging scholars and artists.
Music for Your Life Community Programs
It’s never too early — or too late to learn! Our Music for Your Life programs connect students and faculty with community members of all ages and backgrounds who want to deepen their knowledge and love of music.
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USC String Project
The University of South Carolina String Project provides instruction in violin, viola, cello and bass through group classes and orchestras.
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Carolina Music Studios
Learn an instrument or hone a musical skill! Private lessons and group classes taught by current USC students, graduates and professionals from the community are available through Carolina Music Studios.
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Center for Piano Studies
The Center for Piano Studies provides members of the Columbia area with excellent musical instruction at the piano. There is a place for all learners from beginners to advanced players, ages 5 to 99.
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Carolina LifeSong
The Carolina LifeSong Initiative serves students with special needs and includes them in activities in which they may excel. The initiative teaches that every person has a musical voice and music speaks to and from every person.
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Music Play Children’s Classes
Music Play classes at the USC’s Children’s Music Development Center are part of an innovative program designed to develop the music potential of young children from newborns to three-year-olds.
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Congaree New Horizons Band Program
Congaree New Horizons is the place for adults to begin, resume or continue their musical journey. Come make music with us!
Community Resources
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All-State Band Recording
Our All-State Band Recording Project offers interested applicants recordings of all audition études required for the 2025-26 All-State Band Auditions; all are performed by the world-class faculty of the USC School of Music.
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Community Events
Participate in exhilarating one- and multi-day events that enhance your learning, listening and playing experiences.
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Summer Programs
The USC School of Music offers an abundance of classes, lessons, camps and festivals for the community. Whether you are looking for your child or for yourself, there are many programs from which to choose. Make your summer musical!
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Hire a Musician
The USC School of Music is home to many talented music students excited to share their talents with you and enhance your special occasion. Our students can offer a range of high-quality performances to enhance any event.
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Center for Southern African-American Music
The mission of the Center for Southern African-American Music is to preserve and record oral histories, music recordings, film and video footage of African-American Music in the South to be remembered and enjoyed by all people.
