St. Bonaventure University

Music Program


The Music major at St. Bonaventure University is a liberal arts degree program, one that allows students to seriously satisfy individual creative inclination while providing the opportunity to increase aesthetic awareness and knowledge of art in general.

Creative aptitude and skills are developed in a methodical manner while relating music's history, trends, and current practices to those of other fields of study.

The Music degree program evenly distributes required courses among the areas of history, theory, and practical experiences. Students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of musical ensembles, enroll in private studio study, and take courses such as composition, conducting, jazz improvisation, and MIDI/Audio production.


Program information


The Music Program offers a B.A. in Music and a minor in Music.


Bachelor of Arts in Music

The major in Music evenly distributes required courses among the areas of history, theory, and practical experiences, with ample opportunities to satisfy individual creative inclinations.

Degree requirements and a four-year plan for the Music major

  • Minor in Music

    For non-majors, the Music minor provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of music to complement their major fields.

    Requirements for the Music minor


    Sabina at the RathskellerAbove: Music Professor Dr. Les Sabina (center) and The Septet perform at the university's Rathskeller at one of their popular Jazz 'n' Wings events.

    News, Publications & Research
      May 07, 2026 | On Saturday, May 9, Vox Lusciniae, Western New York’s premiere professional treble choir, will perform the world premiere of two new choral works in Buffalo. Now in its third season, the choir is led by founder and artistic director Dr. Brian M. Stevens, director of choral activities at St. Bonaventure.

      Apr 09, 2026 | The St. Bonaventure University Jazz Band will present its annual “Jazz ’n’ Wings” performance from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in The Rathskeller on campus.

      Mar 31, 2026 | Shakespeare’s 37 plays … performed by just three actors … all in 97 minutes. That’s the premise behind “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again],” the internationally popular comedy coming to St. Bonaventure's Quick Center April 17–18.