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Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Music

All the fundamentals of music, from theory and composition, to music performance skills in musical ensembles, to the history of different musical genres, and more.

Jazz musician playing drum set
Jazz musician playing drum set

Types

Bachelor
Minor

Location

On-Campus

Credits

42*

Cost

$9,875

Music expresses emotion in ways that words never could.

 Has God given you a gift for music? Cultivate it as a music degree major at University of the Cumberlands. Our bachelor's degree in music 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 music degree. 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

Music Department Statistics & Information

$30/hr

Average Wage

4%

Industry Growth

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

5+

Campus Ensembles
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
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 bachelor's of music degree 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 undergraduate degree in music classes let students learn a variety of musical styles and instruments. Among other classes, the bachelor's degree in music program offers courses in music theory, music history, piano, conducting, music score, world music, music industry 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

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.

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

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

Instrumental Emphasis Requirements

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

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

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

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

** 42 Credit Hours in professional education

  • Music Education majors should take MUED 130  as a substitution in professional education and/or general education requirements.
  • 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.
  • Voice majors must take MUPR 121  - Class Voice and Diction
  • Piano majors will substitute MUPR 221  - Piano Pedagogy for MUPR 117  - Class Piano I and MUPR 118  - Class Piano II 
  • All Music Education majors: All candidates pursuing the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education MUST be accepted into the Teacher Education program before they will be allowed to register for EDUC 432  - Fundamentals of Secondary Education or ELEM 430, Classroom Management and Behavior.

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

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

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

Students pursuing the Music Therapy Pathway should pick one of the emphasis options listed for the B.S / B.A. (B.S./ B.A. Piano Emphasis Requirements, B.S./ B.A. Guitar Emphasis Requirements, B.S./ B.A. Instrumental Emphasis Requirements or B.S. / B.A. 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:

Music Performance Scholarships

Music Scholarships are available to students who plan to participate in music ensembles at UC. An audition is required to apply for a scholarship.

A student performs with her guitar during a music event

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

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.

Anchor: Career Outcomes

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.

Choral Ensembles

Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

Choir students perform at the Christmas concert

Cumberland Voices

Cumberland Voices is our chamber choir (MUPR 111) including an auditioned ensemble of 14-16 singers.
Chorale students pose for a group photo

Chorale

Chorale (MUPR 110) is considered the primary large choral ensemble and is open to all students on campus.

Bands

Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

man playing trumpet at a fotball game

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.
Band students perform at a Christmas concert

Concert Band

Concert Band (MUPR 115) performs concerts during the spring semester and is open to all students, faculty and community members.
The pep band performs at the Patriot Party

Pep Band

The Pep Band (MUPR 119) 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.

Jazz musician playing drum set

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble (MUPR 109) is designed to give the percussionist an intensive playing experience.
Jazz students perform during a spring day

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble (MUPR 116) performs music from a variety of styles including swing, funk, latin, ballads, bebop and fusion.
A choir student performs during the senior recital

Chamber Ensembles

In addition to large ensembles, UC offers various smaller chamber ensembles for student participation.
Anchor: FAQs

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.  

A music degree focuses on developing fundamental skills in music theory, performance, and composition. At University of the Cumberlands, this program encompasses a comprehensive understanding of musical concepts, performance skills, and the history of various musical genres.

The Bachelor of Music degree typically requires around 42 credit hours specific to music, though students must complete a total of 120 credit hours for graduation. The duration generally aligns with a standard four-year undergraduate program.

The music degree program at University of the Cumberlands is offered on-campus. While some courses or components might be available online, the core curriculum and performance requirements are primarily on-campus to ensure hands-on experience and ensemble participation.

Yes, a music degree is worth it for those passionate about music and aiming for a career in this field. With career options ranging from music performance to teaching and composing, and an average salary of $30 per hour for instrumentalists and singers, a music degree can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Graduates with a music degree can pursue various careers such as instrumentalists or singers, music directors or composers, music professors, music tutors, and high school music teachers. Other opportunities include roles in music therapy, dance choreography, and various ensemble performances.

To obtain a music degree from University of the Cumberlands, you must complete the required coursework totaling 120 credit hours, including 42 credits specific to music. This involves both theoretical and practical components, including performance in ensembles and potentially participating in music scholarships and auditions.

The Bachelor of Music degree is typically the best choice for those pursuing a professional career in music. It provides in-depth training in music theory, performance, and composition, and prepares students for advanced study or careers in music-related fields.

At University of the Cumberlands, the music degree offered is a Bachelor of Music (BM), not a Bachelor of Arts (BA). The BM focuses more intensely on music-specific courses and performance.

Yes, a music degree is useful for individuals aiming to build a career in music. It provides essential skills in music theory, performance, and composition, and can lead to various professional opportunities in education, performance, and music industry roles.

A music major can be challenging due to its demanding coursework in music theory, performance, and composition. It requires strong dedication, practice, and skill development, but for those passionate about music, the challenges are often rewarding.

To become a music teacher, you typically need a Bachelor of Music degree or a related field with a focus on music education. This degree prepares you for teaching music concepts and performance skills at various educational levels, from elementary to high school.

Music News

Learn more about what's happening with our Fine Arts programs.

A male art student works on an abstract canvas.
News
Seniors Exhibit Artwork on Cumberlands Campus
Band students practice a musical selection in the university recital hall.
News
Cumberlands accepting nominations for Honor Band Clinic
An art student works on a painting in the studio.
News
Cumberlands art gallery open to public
Anchor: Faculty

Our Music Department Faculty

Learn more about the music professors here at Cumberlands.

Tara Warfield

Dr. Tara Warfield

Professor of Music
Music

Dr. Tara Warfield

Contact Information

tara.warfield [at] ucumberlands.edu
McGaw Music Building
Duane Warfield

Dr. Duane Warfield

Professor of Music/Director of Bands/Low Brass
Music

Dr. Duane Warfield

Contact Information

606-539-4331
duane.warfield [at] ucumberlands.edu
Mary McGaw Music Center Office B
Jim Corcoran

James R. Corcoran

Associate Professor/Percussion
Music

James R. Corcoran

Contact Information

606-539-4507
james.corcoran [at] ucumberlands.edu
Mary McGaw Music Center Office C
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