School of Music

Charlie Peacock, Director, School of Music and Artist-in-Residence
Donna M. King, Assistant Professor
Jerome A. Reed, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Piano

Sally Reid, Professor
Stephen L. Rhodes, Professor
Gary Wilson, Professor

The School of Music shares Lipscomb University’s commitment to Christian liberal arts education and functions as an integral part of that commitment. 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. 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 the opportunity and support for testing through the diploma level. Any incoming freshman student who has already passed the ABRSM Grade 8 Exam and wishes to major in music automatically qualifies for a music scholarship of $1,000 per semester.

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.

The school’s 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, University Singers, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Opera Workshop, New Music Ensemble, String Ensemble and various chamber groups. Internships in music-related fields are available.

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
Private studio teacher
Studio musician
Worship minister
Orchestral musician
Music editor
Music publisher
Music consultant
Music critic
Music educator
Music producer
Music technologist
Graduate studies
Professional singer/songwriter
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 on major performance medium no later than end of first semester of study (scholarship audition serves as admission audition)
Attendance at faculty and student 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
ABRSM Grade 5 Exam (Grade 8 and Diploma exam options)
Junior and senior recitals for performance and composition majors
Senior recital for music teaching and contemporary music majors as well as those seeking to earn a B.A. or B.S. degree
Ensemble participation for all music majors
Piano proficiency (Guitar proficiency option for contemporary music students)
A grade of “C” or higher in all music courses

Program of Study Requirements

Major

Minor