Since 1925, the Department of Music has been pivotal in the history of the great musical culture of Louisiana. With the premiere of “Carmen” in 1935, Xavier became the first HBCU to present a fully staged opera.
As the center of cultural activity in the College of Arts and Sciences here at Xavier University of Louisiana, it continues to be a significant force in developing great artists and educators who change lives around the world.
Our music students participate in special programs such as the University Jazz Festival, Opera Workshop, and performances in various large, chamber and small ensembles. Through specialized training and opportunities designed for the music major, you can study and develop your talents and skills to become the consummate professional. Students who excel may also find opportunities to perform with great orchestral, jazz, and operatic institutions around the New Orleans area.
The faculty takes pride in offering a quality one-on-one experience for all of our students to appreciate. We know our students by monitoring their academic progress as well as their personal growth and development as musicians and musicologists. The Department of Music is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, which has characterized our department as having a “close, family-like atmosphere where the students get the full attention of the faculty”.
The Jazz Ensemble will play some of their favorites.