Jefferson College Logo

Music

The Music Department at Jefferson College has an excellent reputation for preparing musicians for study at four-year colleges, universities, and respected music conservatories across the country. Music courses from Jefferson College will apply toward the following degrees: Bachelor of Music Education (BME), Bachelor of Music (BM), or a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
music dept 2025

Program Overview

Our music faculty includes renowned professional performers and educators from the St. Louis metro area, providing the highest quality applied lessons for all instruments and voice. Meet the accomplished full-time and adjunct music professors!

Our music courses encompass the complete program students need for their music degree studies in addition to a broad spectrum of other courses. Music courses include: Music Theory, Aural Training, Music History, Conducting, Music Education, Voice Studio class, Vocal Diction, Class Piano, Jazz Improvisation, Music Appreciation, Jazz Appreciation, World Music, and History of Rock and Roll.

The study of music through performance is an integral part of the music program. Students regularly perform at music seminars, juries and recitals. Other opportunities for performance are offered through our music ensembles, including:

  • Wind Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Jazz Combos
  • Concert Chorale
  • Chamber Choir
  • Community Chorale
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Brass Ensemble
  • Woodwind Ensembles

All our ensembles are open to anyone interested, including majors, non-majors, and community members. Learn more about the Music Ensembles!

With an emphasis in maintaining current trends and competencies in technology, the facilities in the Music Department offer two full computer labs with keyboards, including a state-of-the-art Mac lab with integrated recording suites. Students have unlimited access to the labs and utilize technology through composition projects in Music Theory courses.

Academic Plan

The Academic Plan is a semester-by-semester plan for the full-time student. Part-time students should work with an advisor to customize the map to fit individual needs.

Course Guides

Jefferson College Institutional Course Guides (ICGs) are found in the Simple Syllabus - Syllabus Library AND/OR within your Canvas class page via the Simple Syllabus link in the Course Navigation Menu.

View the Music ICGs.

Music Events

See our EVENTS PAGE for upcoming performances and events!

Rehearsals / Classes

Other chamber ensembles - Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, and Jazz Combos will meet at arranged times

2026 Spring Semester Events

  • March 8 - Inaugural Music Concert featuring Choirs, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Combos - 3 pm in the Fine Arts Theater
  • March 12 - Visiting Artist: Spring Jazz Showcase featuring Reggie and Mardra Thomas - 7:30 pm in the Fine Arts Theater
  • April 14 - Visiting Artist: "A Matter of Time" film screening featuring music composed by Dr. Joel Vanderheyden - 7 pm in the Fine Arts Theater
  • April 16 - Visiting Artist: Grammy-nominated Trombonist/Composer Alan Ferber Nonet - 7:30 pm in the Fine Arts Theater
  • May 5 - Wind Ensemble Concert - 7:30 pm in the Fine Arts Theater
  • May 9 - Spring Choral Concert "Dance!" - 3 pm in the Fine Arts Theater

Workshops / Clinics

  • April 18 - Woodwind/Brass Day - Fine Arts Building

Music Scholarships

Jefferson College Music Department offers scholarships to all students attending the college, regardless of their major. This includes music majors and non-music majors.

Fill out a Scholarship Application to get started. Applicants will be notified and audition dates will be scheduled individually. Students must audition for the scholarships in the spring semester for scholarships awarded in the following year. Auditions are held each spring semester from February to May. Scholarship recipients are selected by musical ability and merit. The requirements to receive and maintain a music scholarship are:

  • participate in one or more of our college music ensembles each semester
  • maintain a 2.5 GPA at Jefferson College

Scholarships range from $250 to $1500 per semester, depending on a student’s ability and level of participation in our music department. Scholarships awarded through the Music Department are awarded in addition to A+ scholarships and any Pell Grant awards. These scholarship funds can be used for books, fees (including music applied lesson fees), and housing expenses. Submit your application for the Jefferson College Music Scholarship. Please note that the following documents will be required:

  • Official high school transcript
  • Two letters of reference (at least one must be from an ensemble director)

If you are a student who is not coming to Jefferson College directly from high school, please contact Dr. Joel Vanderheyden at 636-481-3362 or jvanderh@jeffco.edu for instructions on completing this application.

Honor Band

Since 2021, Jefferson College has partnered with esteemed guest conductors to host a one-day Honor Band event for outstanding high school musicians from the St. Louis metro and surrounding areas. Selected by their directors, nominated students participate in a day of rehearsals, master classes, and collaboration — all culminating in an evening performance that showcases their talent and hard work.

Click here for more information and for the link to nominate your high school students:

Honor Band

Previous Honor Band Guest Conductors:

  • 2021 - Dr. Brian Silvey, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • 2022 - Dr. Curran Prendergast, Truman University
  • 2023 - Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
  • 2024 - Dr. David Wacyk, UMSL; collaborated to form the Greater St Louis Honor Band at the Touhill Performing Arts Center
  • 2025 - Dr. David Wacyk, UMSL; Greater St Louis Honor Band at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

Questions? Contact Elke Overton at eoverton@jeffco.edu or 636-481-3372.

PACE (Performing Arts and Cultural Enrichment)

Through our innovative PACE series, music students regularly interact and perform with visiting artists from across the globe. Various artists, including several Grammy Award recipients, have visited Jefferson College to perform and give master classes as part of the PACE series. These artists provide the students with real-life musical and performance perspectives, in addition to bringing incredible performances to the community of Jefferson County. View upcoming PACE events!

Click HERE to get added to the PACE mailing list!