Private school2.1K

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Dance

Theatre

Music performance

Music education

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BM Music

Instrumental Emphasis

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Bachelor of Music in General Music with an instrumental or vocal emphasis

Music core in theory, sight-singing and ear-training, music history, conducting, arranging and instrumentation, form and analysis, and music technology

Applied private instruction and ensemble participation each semester, culminating in a Degree Recital

Concert Band is the main instrumental ensemble and covers traditional band and small-ensemble literature; the auditioned Jazz Band combines big-band and combo formats.

The contemporary Phoenix Marching Band is supported by athletic-band director Joseph Grah and assistant director Kip Crowder.

Performance & Productions

Ensembles include Concert Band, Jazz Band, Phoenix Marching Band, University Singers, and Cumberland Chorale

Part of the Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Small class sizes with personalized, one-on-one instruction

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.30

Admit rate

67%

school-wide

Grad rate

46%

Enrollment

2.1K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$28,540

Before aid

Average net price

$18,759

After aid

Tuition Cost Sheet Final Fy25.Pdf · cumberland.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 13, 11:28 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Bachelor of Music in General Music with an instrumental or vocal emphasis

Music core in theory, sight-singing and ear-training, music history, conducting, arranging and instrumentation, form and analysis, and music technology

Applied private instruction and ensemble participation each semester, culminating in a Degree Recital

Concert Band is the main instrumental ensemble and covers traditional band and small-ensemble literature; the auditioned Jazz Band combines big-band and combo formats.

The contemporary Phoenix Marching Band is supported by athletic-band director Joseph Grah and assistant director Kip Crowder.

Performance & Productions

Ensembles include Concert Band, Jazz Band, Phoenix Marching Band, University Singers, and Cumberland Chorale

Part of the Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Small class sizes with personalized, one-on-one instruction

Program Highlights

Training

Bachelor of Music in General Music with an instrumental or vocal emphasis

Music core in theory, sight-singing and ear-training, music history, conducting, arranging and instrumentation, form and analysis, and music technology

Applied private instruction and ensemble participation each semester, culminating in a Degree Recital

Concert Band is the main instrumental ensemble and covers traditional band and small-ensemble literature; the auditioned Jazz Band combines big-band and combo formats.

The contemporary Phoenix Marching Band is supported by athletic-band director Joseph Grah and assistant director Kip Crowder.

Performance & Productions

Ensembles include Concert Band, Jazz Band, Phoenix Marching Band, University Singers, and Cumberland Chorale

Part of the Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Small class sizes with personalized, one-on-one instruction

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

PriorityJan 1, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

Steps To Apply · cumberland.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Apply

School Website

Music Auditions · admissions.cumberland.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Repertoire List

Two prepared pieces of contrasting styles that demonstrate lyrical and technical ability

All major and minor scales in as many octaves as possible, plus a chromatic scale demonstrating full range

Percussionists prepare one snare drum solo, one timpani solo, and one mallet solo (two- or four-mallet), plus the 26 standard snare drum rudiments

Selected excerpts for some instruments are available on the CU Music website

Music Auditions · admissions.cumberland.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply through Common App or the Cumberland admissions portal

Schedule the audition through the Cumberland music auditions portal

Scholarship

Complete the separate Music Scholarship Application for scholarship consideration

Eligibility

Fall enrollment

Test-optional for Fall 2026

What's The Process

Audition Format

In-person audition on a scheduled date, approximately 15-20 minutes

Audition consists of prepared selections, scales or rudiments, and sight-reading

Admission to the music program is contingent upon audition results

Video Submission

Accepted only if the student cannot attend an on-campus audition

Submit via a YouTube or other easily accessible link that is audibly and visually clear

Slate with your name and the titles of your prepared pieces

Contact

Joseph Grah (Director of Athletic Bands) — jgrah@cumberland.edu

Jenny Ballard, MFA (Interim Program Director) — jballard@cumberland.edu

Scholarship Info

Performance scholarships awarded at the discretion of the program or ensemble director based on academic performance, audition results, and future potential

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.30

Admit rate

67%

school-wide

Grad rate

46%

Enrollment

2.1K

Earnings

$58K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$28,540

Before aid

Average net price

$18,759

After aid

Tuition Cost Sheet Final Fy25.Pdf · cumberland.edu College Scorecard

Training

Bachelor of Music in General Music with an instrumental or vocal emphasis

Music core in theory, sight-singing and ear-training, music history, conducting, arranging and instrumentation, form and analysis, and music technology

Applied private instruction and ensemble participation each semester, culminating in a Degree Recital

Concert Band is the main instrumental ensemble and covers traditional band and small-ensemble literature; the auditioned Jazz Band combines big-band and combo formats.

The contemporary Phoenix Marching Band is supported by athletic-band director Joseph Grah and assistant director Kip Crowder.

Performance & Productions

Ensembles include Concert Band, Jazz Band, Phoenix Marching Band, University Singers, and Cumberland Chorale

Part of the Millard and J.J. Oakley School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Small class sizes with personalized, one-on-one instruction

Updated Sep 13, 11:28 PM