make music at canisius


In April 2009, the Canisius College Opera Workshop performed six fully-staged and costumed acts for several hundred Buffalo-area schoolchildren.  Click here to see the video story from BuffaloNews.com.

The study of music develops and enhances analytical, creative, listening and performance skills. Canisius offers a major and minor in music. The program introduces students to the literature, theory and technology of music. Courses are designed for students with diverse musical backgrounds and levels of experience.

Listen to music clips from some of our students.


Allison Schnackel, Clarinet. Junior Recital, April 29, 2007. Graduation: 2008. Adagio from Sonata in C minor, By Georg Phillipp Telemann
Nicole Bzibziak, Flute. Student Faculty Recital, March 2, 2008. Graduation: 2008 Kokopeli,  By Katherine Hoover




The Canisius Advantage
Canisius and the BPO Experience, a unique music course offered at Canisius, combines classroom lectures, orchestra performances, and meetings with Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra conductors, soloists and musicians. Several members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra are a part of the Canisius music faculty.

Music theory and technology classes are taught in our state-of-the-art MIDI lab using Macintosh computers, Roland keyboards, and music software programs such as Finale, Practica Musica and Digital Performer.

Students interested in musical performance can earn credit through music ensembles or private instruction in voice, piano, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

A music concentration is also offered in the Early Childhood, Childhood and Special Education programs.