Guy Bernard Collection of Loyola University New Orleans College of Music Productions

The New Orleans Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Art was founded in 1919 by Dr. Ernest Schuyten. Loyola University New Orleans’ College of Music was established when the Conservatory was incorporated into the university in 1932 with Schuyten as the first dean. He served as dean and orchestra conductor until 1953. Under Schuyten’s leadership, the college first offered a bachelor of music degree for voice or instrument. After WWII, enrollment soared, mainly bolstered by female students, which contributed greatly to Loyola’s transformation into a co-educational institution. The College of Music was first established in McDonald Hall, an old mansion on St. Charles Avenue, but as the program expanded it needed a much larger space. In 1986 the program moved into the new Communications/Music Complex at the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Calhoun Street. Guy Bernard was a 1935 graduate of Loyola University New Orleans’ College of Music after which he immediately joined the faculty as Associate Professor of Analysis and Appreciation. He soon became a full professor and Chairman of the Departments of History and Piano under Schuyten’s leadership. Bernard went on to teach at Loyola for almost 35 years, becoming  Professor Emeritus of Music in 1979.

Note written by Rivet, Katherine Kuhl