BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN MUSIC

A tune in your heart and a song on your lips – God has given you a gift  for music. Cultivate it as a music major at the University of the Cumberlands. We’ll help you understand musical concepts, acquire musical skills, and develop a passion for arts advocacy. Our music degree program’s faculty of outstanding music professionals will guide you, helping you develop your talents to their fullest while giving you insights into potential music degree jobs and career paths.

• Mission and Goals
• Is a Music Degree Worth It?
• Bachelor of Science with a Major in Music
• Minor in Applied Science
• Minor in General Music
• What can I do with a Music Degree?
• More Information on Music Degree

Mission and Goals 

The mission of the Bachelor's Degree in Music is to provide music majors opportunities to grow in understanding of musical concepts, acquire music skills, and develop aesthetic values, all in preparation for a successful career in music. The music degree program at University of the Cumberlands strives to help music majors hone in on skills and expand them to the next level. 

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Is a Music Degree Worth It?

While earning your bachelor’s degree in music, you’ll  have the opportunity to take advantage of our fine facilities, including  nine studios, a rehearsal hall, sixteen practice rooms, and a music education classroom complete with a variety of teaching series and multiple Orff instruments. We also have a 150-seat recital hall, an electronic piano lab, and a computer-assisted instruction laboratory.

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Bachelor of Science with a Major in Music

Entrance Requirements 
The Music Department requests that all entering music majors schedule an audition for assessing performance skills and keyboard proficiency. 

Piano Requirements 
All students pursuing a major in music must demonstrate functional keyboard skills. Students in these degree programs must register for MUPR 117 and 118. 

Recital Requirements 
All students pursuing a major in music must present a senior recital on his/her primary instrument during his/her senior year. Candidates for the Church Music Minor and the Applied Music Minor are also required to present a senior recital. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN MUSIC–42 semester hours. 

• MUSC 131 Music Theory and Skills I 
• MUSC 132 Music Theory and Skills II 
• MUSC 231 Music Theory and Skills III
• MUSC 232 Music Theory and Skills IV
• MUSC 333 Music History I    
• MUSC 334 Music History II 

MUAI, MUAP, or MUAV 121-499   Six semester hours of Applied Music attaining levels as outlined in the Music Department Handbook

MUPR 109-119   Six hours of ensembles as outlined in the Music Department Handbook 

• MUPR 117 Class Piano I 
• MUPR 118 Class Piano II 
• MUSC 312 Basic Conducting 
• MUSC 401 World Music 
• MUSC 423 Form and Analysis 
• MUSC 424 20th Century Music 
• MUED 425 Music Core Seminar 

ADDENDUM:  Voice majors must take MUPR 121 Class Voice and Diction. 
ADDENDUM: Piano majors will substitute MUPR 221 – Piano Pedagogy for MUPR 117 – Class Piano I and MUPR 118 – Class Piano II. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH A MAJOR IN MUSIC– to include the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Music plus a world language through the intermediate level. 

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Minor in Applied Music 

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPLIED MUSIC MINOR–25 semester hours as follows: 

• MUSC 131 Music Theory and Skills I  
• MUSC 132 Music Theory and Skills II 
• MUPR 117 Class Piano I  
• MUPR 118 Class Piano II 
• MUSC 333 Music History I 
• MUSC 334 Music History II 
• MUSC 401 World Music

Four semesters of applied music on the major instrument attaining levels as outlined in the Music Department Handbook. Four semesters of the major ensemble most closely related to his/her primary instrument. 

ADDENDUM: Applied Music minors with an emphasis in voice must also take MUPR 121, Class Voice and Diction. 

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Minor in General Music 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A GENERAL MUSIC MINOR–24-26 hours as follows: 

• MUSC 131 Music Theory and Skills I  
• MUSC 132 Music Theory and Skills II
• MUSC 333 Music History I  
• MUSC 334 Music History II 
• MUSC 401 World Music
• MUPR 100 Class Piano 

Four semesters of ensemble (General music minors are encouraged to participate in the major ensemble of the student’s primary applied instrument). 
Four semesters of applied music on the major instrument. 

ADDENDUM:  General Music majors with an emphasis in voice must also take MUPR 121, Class Voice and Diction. 

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What can I do with a Music Degree?

Find potential careers for music majors below:

MUSICIAN, SINGER¹

As a graduate of University of the Cumberlands’ music program, you’ll have the performance skills you need to pursue a career in music. Depending on your primary focus – instrumental or vocal – you could find yourself in studios or on stage as a musician or singer. Musical artists average about $30.49 an hour, and demand is projected to grow 11 percent by 2030.

Maybe your bachelor’s is just the first step … many graduates of the fine arts program go on to pursue additional certifications or degrees to explore careers in graphic design, advertising or even art therapy.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER²

Maybe you want to lead the next generation into a deeper appreciation of the musical arts. With the right certification, you could become a high school Music teacher. Teachers are needed – a projected 8 percent growth rate for high school teachers by 2030, making an average annual salary of $61,820.

CAREERS

• Entertainer
• Singer
• Songwriter
• Vocalist
• Instrumentalist
• High School Music Teacher
• Private Tutor

"$61,820" Median Annual Pay for High School Teachers¹

¹Musicians and Singers
²High School Teachers

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More Information on Music Degree

Tuition

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

Accreditation 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

Faculty

Learn more about the inspiring professors you will work with while pursuing a Music degree. 

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Are you ready to turn your musical aptitude into a career with a bachelor’s degree in music? Follow your heart – come to University of the Cumberlands to ensure your song is heard! Contact us today to talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!