Department Overview
The Music Department is committed to training a versatile, competitive, and marketable student via a renowned faculty and advanced curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in all facets of the music industry; from studio recording to performing in Broadway musicals; from private lesson teaching to professional orchestra rehearsals. Our mission is to foster comprehensive musicianship that teaches students to hear, comprehend, write, and perform various musical styles. Students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue professional careers and graduate study. Music Majors and Minors must audition for acceptance into our program.
Department Highlights
Our Programs
The Bachelor of Arts in Music teaches performance skills and provides knowledge for careers requiring general musicianship.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music and Pursuing a Teaching Licensure teaches performance skills and provides knowledge for teaching a new generation of musicians.
A minor in Music provides students with a broad base of knowledge and performance skills.
The Mount St. Joseph University Department of Music promotes musical engagement and theatre within the University, and throughout the Community. Opportunities in the performing arts are available for all students! Audition as performers in University Band, University Singers, Orchestra, and Theatre Arts! Students involved in these groups can apply to qualify for a Performing Arts Award of up to $1,000 off tuition each year.
MSJ Performing Arts
University Band performs four concerts per year, in the University Theater. Performances can also occur at athletic events and graduation ceremonies. Additional ensemble opportunities include:
- drumline
- pep band
- steel drum band
- jazz band
- chamber ensembles
University Singers perform four concerts per year, in the Mater Dei Chapel. Additional performance opportunities can occur during the celebration of Mass, and Baccalaureate services. There are opportunities for small group singing including as well.
Orchestra: String players attending MSJ are eligible to perform with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra, an offsite (Seton High School Theater) community orchestra that typically draws between 600 and 1,000 person audiences. Course credit is available.
The best part of MSJ Theatre Arts is that anyone can be involved. At the Mount, everyone is welcome to participate regardless of your major. If you have a real passion for theatre but don't plan to do it as your day job, the Mount is a great place to give you the tools to continue to be involved in Theatre Arts.
Facilities
Our facilities offer students an intimate Recital Hall (90 seats) and University Theatre (1100 seats) as well as access to contemporary and traditional performance venues. Our food court is equipped with the latest sound equipment—used for Open Mic Nights and other social/entertainment events. Students are able to participate in the choir for worship, including Baccalaureate Mass and weekly Sunday Mass in Mater Dei Chapel. These spaces as well as rehearsal rooms are available for student-artists to practice their craft. Click below to view these, and other facilities at the Mount.
Launch University TheatreFaculty

Yuking Chou Brandenburgh
DMA Adjunct Faculty, Piano
Ulli Brinksmeier
MM Associate Professor
Tim Kennedy
MM Adjunct Faculty, Trumpet, Jazz
Minhwa Kim
DMA Adjunct Faculty, Violin and Viola
Aleksander Liszka
DMA Adjunct Faculty, Violin and Viola
Lauren McAllister
Adjunct Faculty
Mark McCafferty
MM Chairperson and Director of Bands
Debra McDonough
MMEd Adjunct Faculty, Music Education
Eugene Marquis
MM Adjunct Faculty, Clarinet, Saxophone, and Woodwinds
Josh Omaits
BM Adjunct Faculty
Betty Richardson
Adjunct Faculty
Richard Ross
Adjunct Faculty
Daniel Stenger
Adjunct Faculty
Chris Wilke
BA Adjunct Faculty, GuitarStaff

Richard Buchanan
MFA Director of Theatre Arts