Webster University Department of Music

Why study music in Vienna?

"My experience in Vienna helped me grow not only as a musician, but as a person. It's such an incredible city, and I feel so lucky to have been able to study there!"
Carter Haney (BM Music Direction for Musical Theatre, ’27)

Visit webster.edu/music to learn more about studying music in Vienna.

Why study music in Vienna?

"I loved my time in Vienna and grew not only academically but also as a person. As someone who wants opera to be her career, living here for 2 months made the idea of moving here for work a more attainable goal that is not as scary. I loved being immersed in the culture and learning more about everyday life in Vienna, composers I love, and what I want in life. Study abroad also gives the opportunity to travel to other countries and cities that are nearby. Traveling has been one of my favorite benefits with studying abroad and would do this experience over if given the opportunity and will always recommend it."
Liv Knopf (BM Vocal Performance, ’27)

Visit webster.edu/music to learn more about studying music in Vienna.

Why study music in Vienna?

"I am so fortunate to have been able to afford this trip and made the most of it. On top of being able to travel to the different countries surrounding Vienna and the cities within Austria, the city itself is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever visited. You are constantly surrounded by music and significant historical architecture (it's incredibly difficult to not find something to do!). On trips I took by myself or with friends, along with adventures we had with our professors, I was able to hit some wonderful places here: the Austrian National Library, the Belvedere Gallery to see the Kiss by Gustav Klimt (my all-time favorite painting!), the Staatsoper, and more! I also had quite the time watching various operas. Learning music here was quite fun and gave me ideas for both future repertoire and insight on my own singing that I hadn't thought of before!"
Piper Billingsley (BM Vocal Performance, ’27)
Photos from Venice, Austrian National Library, and Graz.

Visit webster.edu/music to learn more about studying music in Vienna.

Why study music in Vienna?

"It's so great being in a city that is built around people! The city feels alive and very human. I loved seeing the duality of the city, from its formal concerts and church settings to its folk art and nightlife scene. There's something new to do at every turn. I especially enjoyed hearing contemporary opera at such a high level of craftsmanship at the Vienna State Opera. The longer I spent in Vienna, the more I plan on coming back!"

Zachary I. Gray (BM Composition (Concert Music), ’27)

Why study music in Vienna?

"I had the most incredible experience in Vienna. I saw so much opera, and so many parts of the world I never thought I would see! It was exciting to experience new cultures and languages. Photos are from Hallstatt and Venice!"
Emma Wittenauer (BM Vocal Performance, ’27)

Visit webster.edu/music to learn more about studying music in Vienna.

Why study music in Vienna?

"Studying abroad is a choice I will forever be grateful I made; I developed skills like independence, problem-solving, organization, navigation, leadership, and, of course, German conversation! Vienna is the perfect city with amazing public transportation, delicious food, rich culture, incredible music, and is unbelievably beautiful at the same time. I walked the streets that Mozart walked, dined in a restaurant that Beethoven enjoyed, and interacted with music history in ways I never had before. Studying abroad is an opportunity to experience history alive and is a gateway to a whole new world of curiosity and learning!"
Ava Hettenhausen (BM Vocal Performance, ’28)

Visit webster.edu/music to learn more about studying music in Vienna.

From "Love Bridge" in Graz, Austria, Webster music students who studied abroad this spring left their mark with a lock of their own!

"Traditionally couples will put a lock on the bridge to symbolize their love. So I guess you could say we put the lock on the bridge to symbolize our love for Webster."
Zachary Gray (BM Composition (Concert Music), ’27)

Interested in learning more about studying music in Vienna? Follow along to hear from our music students who spent Spring 2 abroad at Webster's campus in Vienna, Austria!

Professor Nina Ferrigno, Director of Keyboard Studies, was interviewed on My St. Louis LIVE about this summer's Missouri Chamber Music Festival.

The Missouri Chamber Music Festival's Season 16 is turning poetry into sound with “Hope is the Thing with Music”. The four concert series will be held at The Sheldon from June 10 – June 21, 2026. For more information and to purchase a 4-concert festival pass, visit MoChamberMusic.org.

Professor Ferrigno co-founded MOCM in 2010 and currently serves as the director.

Missouri Chamber Music Festival If you love live music and powerful words, this may be your jam! The Missouri Chamber Music Festival is turning poetry into sound as “Hope is the Thing with Music” takes over The Sheldon. Joining us is founder Nina Ferrigno with how this season hits both the heart—and the ears. For more inform...

Department of Music students, alumni, and faculty performed in Arch City Opera Project's inaugural production of Carlisle Floyd's Susannah.

Several vocal performance students were in the chorus, including seniors Piper Billingsley, Holly Connor, Liv Knopf, Emma Wittenauer, and junior Ava Hettenhausen. Piper also covered the role of Mrs. McLean.

Junior music education major Will Kinsella took the stage as Little Bat McLean.

Department of Music alum Franklin Gnahore (BA Music, ’23) performed as Elder Gleaton and Calista Goldwasser (MM Vocal Performance, ’24) took on the role of Mrs. McLean. Emily Moore (BME Choral Music, ’11) appeared as Mrs. Ott and Tyler Moore (BME Instrumental Music, ’12) played violin in the orchestra and was also the featured fiddle player on stage.

Karen Kanakis, Adjunct Professor of Voice, starred as Susannah Polk. Jacob Lassetter, Director of Vocal Studies and Opera Studio, portrayed Reverend Olin Blitch. Kanakis and Lassetter, along with Marc Schapman, are founders of Arch City Opera Project and part of the mentorship team.

Students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Webster University, and Tessitura Music have exclusive access to the Arch City Opera Project training program, allowing them to continue honing their craft while gaining valuable professional experience.

Photo Credit: Howard Ash

Congratulations to Cullen Curth (BM Music Direction for Musical Theatre, ’23) on recently making his Broadway conducting debut as conductor of Just In Time Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre!