School of Music

Brown Bannister, Director, School of Music
Donna M. King, Academic Chair and Assistant Professor
Jerome A. Reed, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Piano
Nathan Mickle, Visiting Professor
Gary Wilson, Professor

The School of Music shares Lipscomb University’s commitment to Christian liberal arts education. Our mission is to lead students to an appreciation and comprehension of the creative spirit across time and culture, within the context of the Christian faith.

Recognizing that music is an integral part of a liberal arts education, the School of Music seeks to provide:

innovative instruction for students pursuing careers in traditional and non-traditional music fields,
engaging opportunities for each university student to participate in rich and varied musical experiences,
enriching events for the university and larger community to experience music through concerts and collaborative workshops, and
valuable resources for church music ministries.

Distinctives of the School of Music

The Lipscomb University School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, offering programs in both classical and commercial music.

The School of Music’s small, mentor-based program offers small class sizes, time with Artists-in-Residence, and professional internships and mentorships.

The School of Music was also the first in the nation to require music majors to sit for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams and continues to offer students opportunities and support for testing through the diploma level.

The School of Music collaborates with the College of Bible and Ministry to offer an interdisciplinary major in worship ministry to provide students with the knowledge and skills to assist congregations in meaningful, purposeful times of worship.

Applied music classes and private lessons are taught by full-time faculty, adjuncts or private instructors selected from the wealth of talent available in Nashville, including members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and leading studio musicians.

Private lessons and ensembles are open to all university students. Performance opportunities include A Cappella Singers, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Opera Workshop, Contemporary Ensembles and various chamber groups.

SALT participation opportunities are provided within the distinctive performance context offered by the School of Music.

Career Opportunities

The School of Music provides formal preparation for the following careers:

Teacher in public or private school settings, K-12
Composer/arranger
Independent music teacher
Studio musician
Music producer
Worship minister
Orchestral musician
Music editor
Music publisher
Music consultant
Music critic
Music producer
Music technologist
Professional singer/songwriter
Graduate studies
Strong liberal arts foundation for professional study in medicine and law and for anyone planning to use music in their chosen profession or for their personal enjoyment.

School Admission and Curriculum Requirements

Theory, music technology and piano placement exams prior to first registration
Audition or perfomance/work assessment for admission to program: by scholarship audition or first semester assessment
Attendance at School of Music concerts and recitals (8 semesters of Recital Seminar)
Jury examinations at the end of each semester of applied lesson instruction
Upper-division hearings at the end of the sophomore year
Senior recitals or projects (per degree program) for all majors
Additional junior recital for performance and composition majors
Ensemble participation for all music majors (8 semesters)
Piano or guitar proficiency for all majors (per degree program)
Minimum grade of “C” in all music courses

Program of Study Requirements

Major

Minor