Music expresses emotion in ways that words never could.
Has God given you a gift for music? Cultivate it as a music major at University of the Cumberlands. Our program is designed to help you understand musical concepts, acquire musical skills, and develop a passion for the art of music. Outstanding musical professionals will guide you as you develop your talents and will provide insight into future career paths you can pursue with your degree.
By the Numbers
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Four hours instrumental techniques courses to include:
MUPR 215 Percussion Instruments
MUPR 217 Brass Instruments
MUPR 218 Woodwind Instruments
MUPR 219 Guitar Techniques
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
- 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
Take the Next Step
Mission & Goals
The mission of the Department of Music is to provide music majors like you with opportunities to grow in understanding of musical concepts, acquire musical skills, and develop aesthetic values, all in preparation for a successful career in music.
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.
Music Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Instrumentalist/Singer: $30/hr
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
Music Director/Composer: $49,130
Lead and direct performers in musical groups, and write and arrange sheet music.
Dancer/Choreographer: $19/hr
Dancer/Choreographer: $19/hr
Make original choreography for musical performances and direct dancers.
Music Professor: $93,440
Music Professor: $93,440
Teaching students music concepts, skills, and performance skills at the college level.
Music Tutor: $44,820
Music Tutor: $44,820
Tutor students in developing their musical skills, such as vocal lessons or instrumental lessons.
High School Teacher: $61,820
High School Teacher: $61,820
Teaching students music concepts and performance skills at the high school level.
Common Questions for the Music Program
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!
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.
Absolutely. Some of your emphasis options are piano, guitar, instrumental, and vocal. You may also choose an education-related emphasis.
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.
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.
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.
Choir Ensembles
Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

Cumberland Voices
Cumberland Voices is our chamber choir (MUPR 111) including an auditioned ensemble of 14-16 singers.
Chamber Ensembles
In addition to large ensembles, UC offers various smaller chamber ensembles for student participation.
Chorale
Chorale (MUPR 110) is considered the primary large choral ensemble and is open to all students on campus.Band Ensembles
Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

Marching Band
The Marching Band (MUPR 114) is the most visible part of the music program and is made up of students from all majors on campus.
Concert Band
Concert Band (MUPR 115) performs concerts during the spring semester and is open to all students, faculty and community members.
Pep Band
The Pep Band (MUPR 119), also known as The Mountain of Sound, is the primary athletic band for the spring semester.Additional Ensembles
Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble (MUPR 109) is designed to give the percussionist an intensive playing experience.
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble (MUPR 116) performs music from a variety of styles including swing, funk, latin, ballads, bebop and fusion.Our Music Department Faculty
Learn more about the music professors here at Cumberlands.

Dr. Tara Warfield

Dr. Duane Warfield
Dr. Duane Warfield
Contact Information

James R. Corcoran
James R. Corcoran
Contact Information
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Want to know more about Cumberlands? Ask away!