Music

Music courses, ensembles, and private lessons at Concord are open to all Concord students, regardless of major, and are taught by Concord’s experienced faculty members. Performances take place in our newly-renovated Auditorium in the Alexander Fine Arts Building, as well as the beautiful Wilkes Chapel at University Point.

The Music Program is committed to excellence in education and performance. Alumni of the Concord Music program can be found teaching and performing throughout West Virginia and the surrounding areas.  We have an excellent teacher placement rate, and Concord Music alumni have gone on to earn graduate degrees in areas such as performance, education, musicology, and conducting.

Come be a part of Concord’s music family!

Degree Programs in Music

Our degrees are designed to prepare students for careers as public music educators, music entrepreneurs, independent music teachers, and performers, as well as ensuring students meet entry requirements for graduate schools.

The Music Program provides students the instruction, facilities, equipment, and opportunities necessary to develop their skills, abilities, and theoretical/historical perspectives in their chosen area of music specialization.

Auditions are not required for admission into the program. However, an audition is required for students wishing to be considered for performance-based scholarships.

This degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge, skills, and licensure to teach general music, instrumental music, and choral music grades PreK-12. Students will take applied lessons, participate in ensembles, and take core music courses in theory, history, and teaching methods. The degree culminates with two semesters of teaching residency in a public school music classroom.

The Program is in full compliance with the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree gives students the opportunity to design a course of study that includes music as an important component of their career or professional goals. This degree can lead to fulfilling careers in fields such as independent music teaching, arts management, music theatre, and music entrepreneurship. In addition to studies in music, students choose one or more complementary academic disciplines to fulfill their career goals including pre-approved tracks in theatre and business administration. Students also have the option to work with a faculty member to design additional areas of study.

This degree option gives students in any major an opportunity to take advanced studies in music. The music minor will enhance performance skills, understanding of music, and create opportunities to participate in or lead community music ensembles, church music, and/or teach independent music lessons. Students will take applied music lessons, participate in ensembles, and music theory courses.

Get paid to play or sing! Any student, regardless of major, that participates in collegiate singers or band receives a $500 scholarship of each semester of participation.

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends of Concord, there are several other scholarship opportunities for music students; contact Dr. Jacob Womack to learn more!

Performance-Based Scholarships & Auditions

  • Concord offers a variety of performance-based scholarships. Auditions are scheduled by appointment and should be completed no later than March 31st prior to the semester starting.
  • Instrumentalists are encouraged to prepare an audition similar to the WV All-State Band Requirements, which can be located on their website.
  • Vocalists should prepare two art songs: one in English, the other in a foreign language. An accompanist will be provided.
  • Pianists should prepare two classical or jazz pieces from contrasting periods of music.
  • For more information on audition requirements, available scholarships, and to schedule an audition, please contact Dr. Jacob Womack.

Each semester, the Music Program brings to campus professional performers and educators. Recent events include the Vertical Victory Project by Dr. Garik Pedersen, Dr. Hope Koehler (voice) and Dr. Sun Jung Lee (piano), the West Virginia University Bluegrass Ensemble, Dr. Henning Vauth (piano) and Dr. Elizabeth Reed Smith (violin), and Cassidy McCoy (CU Alum) presenting on incorporating music through children’s literature.

For more information about upcoming Artist Lecture Series Events, please contact Dr. Jacob Womack.

  • Cultivate proficient and versatile musicians who demonstrate developing technical, artistic, and collaborative skills through individual study and ensemble participation.
  • Develop an understanding of the role of music in society by exploring music as an artistic, cultural, historical, and social expression and by encouraging students to recognize and articulate the ways music connects individuals, communities, and cultures.
  • Develop analytical and critical thinkers who apply concepts and knowledge from music theory, aural skills, and music history to analyze, interpret, and communicate about musical works and to inform thoughtful and expressive performances.