School of Music students frequently appear in off-campus local theater companies’ musical theatre productions, perform in choirs and instrumental ensembles with Columbia’s exceptional church music programs and provide music for special events like weddings and receptions.

USC undergraduate students have performed with the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra Augusta and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Students are compensated for these off-campus performances, allowing them to earn income as well as crucial experience. For example, more than half of our Concert Choir members hold paid staff positions with Columbia church programs.

These performance opportunities are open to freshmen and applied faculty (private teachers) help their students find opportunities that are a good fit for them.