Music
Music study offers a broad foundation in the liberal arts combined with innovative, specialized study to prepare students for careers in the rapidly changing music industry of the 21st century. The Music Department provides a stimulating environment for intellectual, artistic and professional growth.
Program of Study
The university offers three degree options, all grounded in UNC Asheville’s nationally acclaimed liberal arts curriculum, which helps students prepare not only for entry-level jobs but also, and more importantly, for leadership roles in the music profession of the 21st century. The degree programs are:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Music Technology. Established in 1982, this is a small and highly selective program taught in UNC Asheville’s ProTools studios and the Robert A. Moog Electro-Acoustic Lab.
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Jazz Studies Emphasis). This option prepares students for careers as jazz performers, composers and arrangers.
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (General Music Emphasis). This option emphasizes areas of interest such as performance, composition, computer music, music history and theory.
Faculty
The Music faculty represent diverse professional experiences, creative accomplishments and academic backgrounds in jazz and classical performance, music technology, and the theory and history of music. Instruction is offered in voice, piano and all jazz and orchestral instruments.
Facilities
The UNC Asheville Recording Studio in Lipinsky Hall offers multitrack analog and digital capabilities. The Robert A. Moog Electro-Acoustic Lab features Moog analog synthesizers and processors. The electronic Keyboard Lab consists of 12 Mac workstations equipped with ProTools, Reason and other music software.
Performance spaces include the 600-seat Lipinsky Auditorium and a 100-seat recital/rehearsal hall. Performance groups include the University Singers, Jazz Choir, UNC Asheville Chamber Symphony, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, String Ensemble, String Quartet, Brass Quintet and Percussion Ensemble.
Admission Requirements
After acceptance by the Admissions Office, students must:
- 1) pass an instrumental or vocal audition,
- 2) pass a keyboard proficiency test or successfully complete Class Piano II,
- 3) take the UNC Asheville Music Theory/Aural Skills Placement Examination.
Auditions and placement tests are held several times a year. Please visit the Music Department Web site (www.unca.edu/music) for important dates and audition forms.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Graduates of the programs in music at UNC Asheville are active in a wide variety of professional careers in the music and entertainment industries, including recording engineering, software development, performing, arranging and composing.
Scholarships and Internships
Outstanding students who may be eligible for scholarships should apply and audition as early as possible in the year before planning to enter UNC Asheville. Internships, which may earn up to 6 credits, are available in the entertainment centers of New York, Los Angeles, Nashville and other locations.
More Information
Music Department
022 Lipinsky Hall, CPO #2290
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8510
828.251.6432
music@unca.edu