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Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Teacher Cert

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Teacher Cert

Browse programs

Dance

Theatre

Music performance

Music education

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BM Music Education

Instrumental Education

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Teacher Cert

Training

Bachelor of Music Education with an instrumental emphasis, preparing students to teach instrumental music

Music core paired with conducting, arranging and instrumentation, and education coursework

Licensure candidates work with an advisor through Cumberland's Educator Preparation Program

Performance & Productions

Perform and lead within Concert Band, Jazz Band, and the Phoenix Marching Band

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

Small class sizes with personalized 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 Education with an instrumental emphasis, preparing students to teach instrumental music

Music core paired with conducting, arranging and instrumentation, and education coursework

Licensure candidates work with an advisor through Cumberland's Educator Preparation Program

Performance & Productions

Perform and lead within Concert Band, Jazz Band, and the Phoenix Marching Band

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

Small class sizes with personalized instruction

Program Highlights

Training

Bachelor of Music Education with an instrumental emphasis, preparing students to teach instrumental music

Music core paired with conducting, arranging and instrumentation, and education coursework

Licensure candidates work with an advisor through Cumberland's Educator Preparation Program

Performance & Productions

Perform and lead within Concert Band, Jazz Band, and the Phoenix Marching Band

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

Small class sizes with personalized 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

Licensure

Teacher licensure candidates work with an advisor through the Educator Preparation Program

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 Education with an instrumental emphasis, preparing students to teach instrumental music

Music core paired with conducting, arranging and instrumentation, and education coursework

Licensure candidates work with an advisor through Cumberland's Educator Preparation Program

Performance & Productions

Perform and lead within Concert Band, Jazz Band, and the Phoenix Marching Band

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

Small class sizes with personalized instruction

Updated Sep 13, 11:28 PM