Private school2.1K

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

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

3.30

Avg GPA (W)

67%

Admit Rate

school-wide

46%

Grad Rate

2.1K

Enrollment

$58K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$28,540

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,759

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

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

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

PriorityJan 1, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

Official Source

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Apply

School Website

Official Source

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

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Apply through Common App or the Cumberland admissions portal

•Schedule the audition through the Cumberland music auditions portal

•Sign up for an audition if you plan to major or minor in music or need a first-semester scholarship

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

3.30

Avg GPA (W)

67%

Admit Rate

school-wide

46%

Grad Rate

2.1K

Enrollment

$58K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$28,540

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,759

After aid

Official source 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 1d ago