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St Olaf College (Department of Music)
Northfield, Minnesota (department within a college)
St Olaf College (Department of Music)
Northfield, Minnesota (department within a college)
St. Olaf College in Northfield integrates Lutheran heritage with world-renowned choral and classical traditions, famed for its beloved Christmas Festival broadcast and internationally touring ensembles. The department is among the most celebrated in American choral music, with extraordinary ensemble culture, strong merit aid, and a residential campus community where musical participation is central to the St. Olaf experience.
Quick Facts
Program
Program size: medium
Primary genres/styles: choral, classical, country, folk, jazz
Primary instruments/disciplines: cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, horn, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice
Primary areas of study: classical performance, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education
Admissions
Selectivity: selective
Competitiveness: competitive
Audition required: required
Average GPA: 3.8
Prescreening required: is not required
Program Overview
Primary Instruments
Students at St Olaf can pursue study across a range of instruments, including cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, guitar, horn, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, voice. Students study privately with faculty in their primary instrument while participating in ensembles and collaborative performances.
Music Genre/Style Strengths
The program at includes strength in the following musical genres or styles: choral, classical, country, folk, jazz. Students often explore multiple styles while developing strong technical and artistic foundations within their primary genre.
Music Degrees Offered at St Olaf
Students at St Olaf can pursue degrees focused on: classical performance, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education. Degree programs typically combine private instruction, ensemble participation, music theory coursework, and performance opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in music. Check the school's website for more specific information.
How Competitive Is Admission to St Olaf?
Admission to music at St Olaf is generally considered to be selective.
St Olaf Acceptance Rate
Admission to St Olaf is selective. Music schools typically admit only a small percentage of applicants each year, and the effective acceptance rate can vary significantly by instrument, voice type, or program.
Unlike most academic programs, music admission decisions are also based on performance and artistic potential. Applicants compete for a limited number of studio positions, and the number of openings may differ each year.
Prospective students should consider both the school’s overall selectivity and the availability of openings in their specific area of study.
Auditions
Admission to St Olaf College (Department of Music) requires an audition demonstrating musical ability, technical proficiency, and artistic potential.
Many music schools also require a prescreen recording before applicants are invited to a live audition. Audition requirements typically include:
- Two contrasting pieces demonstrating musical range
- Technical work such as scales or etudes
- Sight-reading or improvisation, depending on the program
- For composition or production programs, a portfolio of original work
Because repertoire requirements vary by instrument and program, applicants should review the official audition guidelines before preparing their repertoire.
Timeline
Application deadline: Nov 1 (ED) | Jan 15 (regular)
Prescreen recordings due: Nov 1 (ED) | Jan 15 (regular)
Live Auditions: Jan–Mar
Applicants should confirm specific deadlines with the official admissions office, as schedules may vary.
Location and Music Scene
St. Olaf sits on a hilltop in Northfield, a small Minnesota town with an almost mythic choral culture, where the St. Olaf Choir's global reputation makes the campus a pilgrimage site for choral music.
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