Music

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$30/hr

Average Wage

4%

Industry Growth

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

5+

Campus Ensembles

Anchor: Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Music

The music program at University of the Cumberlands provides you with many resources to help you get the best music education. Music majors and minors have access to nine studios, a rehearsal hall, sixteen practice rooms, an electric piano lab, a computer-assisted instruction laboratory, and music education classrooms. The classrooms include various teaching series and are equipped with multiple Orff instruments.

Our classes let students learn a variety of musical styles and instruments. Among other classes, the program offers courses in music theory, music history, piano, conducting, music score, world music, and 20th century music. You can join a variety of musical ensembles to practice your skills and get more comfortable performing in front of audiences. After all, music is meant to be shared.

Course Requirements

Music Courses (42 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

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

Additionally, six (6) credit hours of participation in musical ensembles, as outlined in the emphasis requirements.

Information & Addendums

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

Addendum I: Voice majors must take MUPR 121 Class Voice and Diction.

Addendum II: Piano majors will substitute MUPR 221 – Piano Pedagogy for MUPR 117 – Class Piano I and MUPR 118 – Class Piano II.

Senior Recital (Capstone)

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 an the applied music minor are also required to present a senior recital.

Bachelor of Arts option (12 hours)

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

FREN 131 Elementary French I

FREN 132 Elementary French II

FREN 231 Intermediate French I

FREN 232 Intermediate French II

SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I

SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II

SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I

SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II

Emphasis Options

Completing a music emphasis is part of UC's requirements in order to obtain a bachelor's degree in music. Pursuing an emphasis gives you the opportunity to master your skills with an instrument (your voice counts!), which makes you more knowledgeable and experienced – in other words, more marketable to future employers.

Note: All B.M. (P-12) Education students must pursue an instrumental emphasis, vocal emphasis, or instrumental and vocal combined emphasis.

Course Requirements

Piano Emphasis

Requirements:

MUPR 221 Piano Pedagogy (replaces MUPR 117-118)

MUAP 021 Applied Piano

MUAP 121 Applied Piano

MUAP 221 Applied Piano

MUAP 321 Applied Piano

MUAP 421 Applied Piano

MUAM 499 Senior Recital

Six credit hours (two classes) of ensembles to be chosen from:

MUPR 110 Chorale

MUPR 114 Marching Band

MUPR 115 Concert Band

MUPR 116 Jazz Ensemble

In addition...

Students are expected to take Applied Piano until the completion of MUAM 499 Senior Recital. Each section of Applied Piano is repeatable.

Guitar Emphasis

Requirements:

MUAG 021 Applied Guitar

MUAG 121 Applied Guitar

MUAG 221 Applied Guitar

MUAG 321 Applied Guitar

MUAG 421 Applied Guitar

MUAM 499 Senior Recital

Six credit hours (two classes) of ensembles to be chosen from:

MUPR 110 Chorale

MUPR 114 Marching Band

MUPR 115 Concert Band

MUPR 116 Jazz Ensemble

In addition... Students are expected to take Applied Guitar until the completion of MUAM 499 Senior Recital. Each section of Applied Guitar is repeatable.

B.A./B.S. Instrumental Emphasis

Requirements:

MUAI 021-029 (Depending on Instrument)

MUAI 121-129

MUAI 221-229

MUAI 321-329

MUAI 421-429

MUAM 499 Senior Recital

MUPR 114 (Each Fall Semester until Completion of MUAM 499)

MUPR 115 (Each Spring Semester until Completion of MUAM 499)

In addition... Students are expected to take Applied Instrument until the completion of MUAM 499 Senior Recital. Each section of Applied Instrument is repeatable.

B.A./B.S. Vocal Emphasis

MUPR 121 Class Voice and Diction

MUAV 011 Applied Voice

MUAV 121 Applied Voice

MUAV 221 Applied Voice

MUAV 321 Applied Voice

MUAV 421 Applied Voice

MUAM 499 Senior Recital

MUPR 110 Chorale (Every Semester until completion of MUAM 499)

Students are expected to take Applied Voice until the completion of MUAM 499 Senior Recital. Each section of Applied Voice is repeatable.

B.M. Instrumental Emphasis

Four hours instrumental techniques courses to include:

MUPR 215 Percussion Instruments

MUPR 217 Brass Instruments

MUPR 218 Woodwind Instruments

MUPR 219 Guitar Techniques

B.M. Vocal Emphasis

MUAV 011-421 Six credit hours (i.e. two classes' worth) of Applied Voice attaining levels as outlined in the Department of Music Handbook

MUPR 110 Six credit hours of Ensembles as outlined in the Music Department Handbook

MUPR 121 Class Voice and Diction

MUED 421 Vocal Pedagogy

MUED 334 Methods & Materials-Choral, General Music

B.M. Instrumental and Vocal Combined Emphasis

MUAI or MUAV 011-421 Six hours of Ensembles as outlined in the Department of Music Handbook

MUPR 109-119

Vocal majors must add 2 semesters of Instrumental Ensembles and Instrumental majors music add 2 semesters of Vocal Ensembles. Instrumental majors must also add 2 semesters of Applied Voice.

Four Hours Instrumental techniques courses to include:

MUPR 215 Percussion Instruments

MUPR 217 Brass Instruments

MUPR 218 Woodwind Instruments

MUPR 219 Guitar Techniques

Bachelor of Music (P-12) Education

Strengthen your musical skills while getting trained in the world of education, learning everything from developing lesson plans to managing classroom behavior. Both music and teaching are forms of art in their own right. Master both of them through a Bachelor of Music.

Course Requirements

Music Courses (42 hours)

MUPR 117 Class Piano I

MUPR 118 Class Piano II

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 312 Basic Conducting

MUSC 313 Advanced Conducting

MUED 324 Teaching Music in the Elementary School

MUSC 333 Music History I

MUSC 334 Music History II

MUSC 401 World Music

MUSC 422 Arranging

MUSC 423 Form and Analysis

MUSC 424 20th Century Music

MUSC 425 Music Core Seminar

In addition, six (6) credit hours of Ensembles as outlined in the emphasis requirements.

Music education majors should take MUED 130 as a substitution in professional education and/or general education requirements.

Education Courses (42 hours)

A total of 42 credit hours of professional education courses are required to complete this degree. View our course catalog for more information.

Music Minor

You don't have to give up your love for music just because you're starting college. A music minor allows you to combine your major with your passion for music. You'll learn more about the fundamentals of music while receiving coaching for your instrument, all while still having the time to pursue a different major.

Course Requirements

Applied Music Minor Requirements (21 hours)

MUSC 131 Music Theory and Skills I

MUSC 132 Music Theory and Skills II

MUSC 333 Music History I

MUPR 117 Class Piano I

MUPR 118 Class Piano II

MUSC 334 Music History II

MUSC 401 World Music

In addition, four semesters participating in a campus ensemble. You are encouraged to participate in the major ensemble that showcases your primary instrument.

General Music Minor Requirements (24-26 hours)

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. 

A Music Therapy pathway for Music and Psychology students who plan to eventually pursue a graduate degree in Music Therapy.

Required Music Courses

MUPR 121 Class Voice and Diction

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

(6 Credits of Ensembles) as outlined in the emphasis requirements:

MUPR 109-119

MUPR 117 Class Piano I

MUPR 118 Class Piano II

MUPR 219 Guitar Techniques

MUAG 021-121 Applied Guitar

MUSC 312 Basic Conducting

MUSC 401 World Music

MUSC 423 Form and Analysis

MUSC 424 20th Century Music

MUSC 425 Music Core Seminar

Additional courses required to complete the Music Therapy Pathway are found under the Department of Psychology under the Music Therapy Pathway.

Students pursuing the Music Therapy Pathway should pick one of the emphasis options listed for the B.S / B.A. (piano, guitar, instrument or vocal emphasis)

All students, regardless of emphasis, should take MUPR 121 Class Voice and Diction. Students choosing a vocal emphasis should take this class in their first semester of music study.

Students with limited vocal training may be encouraged to complete additional study in Applied Voice in order to develop a stronger singing voice.

All students, regardless of emphasis, should take MUPR 219 Guitar Techniques.

Additional study in Applied Guitar is required for two semesters. It is recommended that study focus on chording including I, IV and V7 chords in four major and four minor keys as well as common simple tunes (pop, country, folk, gospel, children’s songs, etc.) from various decades.

Music majors must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in prerequisite courses.

Transfer students may have the pattern of prerequisites altered at the discretion of the Department Chair

Students with a piano emphasis will substitute MUPR 221-Piano Pedagogy for MUPR 117-Class Piano I and MUPR 118-Class Piano II

The following classes are also recommended from the Department of Biology for the Music Therapy Pathway:

BIOL243 Introduction to Human Anatomy

BIOL244 Human Physiology

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

Learn the fundamental knowledge and understanding of Western music.

Recognize relationships between the various disciplines within music.

Grasp the basic concepts and skills concerning the emphasis area of music education.

Develop your musical performing skills.

Understand the basics of music theory and composition.

Anchor: Career Outcomes

Music Careers & Outcomes

Instrumentalist/Singer: $30/hr

Showcasing your musical talents through performances in settings such as live performances, entertainment venues, weddings, ceremonies, etc.

Music Director/Composer: $49,130

 Lead and direct performers in musical groups, and write and arrange sheet music.

Dancer/Choreographer: $19/hr

Make original choreography for musical performances and direct dancers.

Music Professor: $93,440

Teaching students music concepts, skills, and performance skills at the college level.

Music Tutor: $44,820

Tutor students in developing their musical skills, such as vocal lessons or instrumental lessons.

High School Teacher: $61,820

Teaching students music concepts and performance skills at the high school level.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions for the Music Program

How do I get into an Ensemble?

Many ensembles require you to audition to join them. To get connected, you can send an email to the instructor that is over that ensemble and let them know that you are interested in joining. You also may be able to find posted audition dates. Note: You do NOT have to be a music major or minor to participate in musical ensembles; everyone is welcome to audition!

 Can I get a scholarship through the Department of Music?

Yes! University of the Cumberlands offers music scholarships. For more information, call the Department of Music at 606.539.4332 or email music [at] ucumberlands.edu (music[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu.)

You can learn more about this and other scholarship opportunities on our scholarship page.

Can I emphasize in a particular area of music?

Absolutely. Some of your emphasis options are piano, guitar, instrumental, and vocal. You may also choose an education-related emphasis.

Will I be able to perform live as a student?

The music department puts on many live concerts throughout the year with each ensemble, so you will be performing live if you are part of an ensemble. The ensembles also do joint concerts with other schools and perform at UC events such as Christmas at the Cumberlands. Sometimes, ensembles even perform with professional guests.

What can I do with a music degree?

There are many options for those who complete a music degree. If your goal is to share your music with others, you can pursue careers as an instrumentalist, singer, entertainer, or songwriter. For those who enjoy teaching, you may consider working as music teacher or professor, or perhaps a private tutor or vocal coach. Really, the only limit for talented musicians is their creativity, resourcefulness, and business know-how. If you combine those with your musical skill, your options are virtually limitless.

How affordable is this program?

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.