Music expresses emotion in ways that words never could.

 Has God given you a gift for music? Cultivate it as a music degree major at University of the Cumberlands. Our bachelor's degree in music program is designed to help you understand musical concepts, acquire musical skills, and develop a passion for the art of music. Outstanding musical professionals will guide you as you develop your talents and will provide insight into future career paths you can pursue with your music degree. 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

Music Department Statistics & Information

$30/hr

Average Wage

4%

Industry Growth

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

5+

Campus Ensembles
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Music Performance Scholarships

Music Scholarships are available to students who plan to participate in music ensembles at UC. An audition is required to apply for a scholarship.

A student performs with her guitar during a music event
Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the Department of Music is to provide music majors like you with opportunities to grow in understanding of musical concepts, acquire musical skills, and develop aesthetic values, all in preparation for a successful career in music.

Learn the fundamental knowledge and understanding of Western music.

Recognize relationships between the various disciplines within music.

Grasp the basic concepts and skills concerning the emphasis area of music education.

Develop your musical performing skills.

Understand the basics of music theory and composition.

Anchor: Career Outcomes

Music Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Instrumentalist/Singer: $30/hr

Instrumentalist/Singer: $30/hr

Showcasing your musical talents through performances in settings such as live performances, entertainment venues, weddings, ceremonies, etc. 

Music Director/Composer: $49,130

Music Director/Composer: $49,130

 Lead and direct performers in musical groups, and write and arrange sheet music.

Dancer/Choreographer: $19/hr

Dancer/Choreographer: $19/hr

Make original choreography for musical performances and direct dancers. 

Music Professor: $93,440

Music Professor: $93,440

Teaching students music concepts, skills, and performance skills at the college level. 

Music Tutor: $44,820

Music Tutor: $44,820

Tutor students in developing their musical skills, such as vocal lessons or instrumental lessons.

High School Teacher: $61,820

High School Teacher: $61,820

Teaching students music concepts and performance skills at the high school level.

Choral Ensembles

Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

Choir students perform at the Christmas concert

Cumberland Voices

Cumberland Voices is our chamber choir (MUPR 111) including an auditioned ensemble of 14-16 singers.
Chorale students pose for a group photo

Chorale

Chorale (MUPR 110) is considered the primary large choral ensemble and is open to all students on campus.

Bands

Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

man playing trumpet at a fotball game

Marching Band

The Marching Band (MUPR 114) is the most visible part of the music program and is made up of students from all majors on campus.
Band students perform at a Christmas concert

Concert Band

Concert Band (MUPR 115) performs concerts during the spring semester and is open to all students, faculty and community members.
The pep band performs at the Patriot Party

Pep Band

The Pep Band (MUPR 119) is the primary athletic band for the spring semester.

Additional Ensembles

Students can audition for these ensembles and earn performance scholarships as well as course credit.

Jazz musician playing drum set

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble (MUPR 109) is designed to give the percussionist an intensive playing experience.
Jazz students perform during a spring day

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble (MUPR 116) performs music from a variety of styles including swing, funk, latin, ballads, bebop and fusion.
A choir student performs during the senior recital

Chamber Ensembles

In addition to large ensembles, UC offers various smaller chamber ensembles for student participation.
Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions for the Music Program

Many ensembles require you to audition to join them. To get connected, you can send an email to the instructor that is over that ensemble and let them know that you are interested in joining. You also may be able to find posted audition dates. Note: You do NOT have to be a music major or minor to participate in musical ensembles; everyone is welcome to audition! 

Yes! University of the Cumberlands offers music scholarships. For more information, call the Department of Music at 606.539.4332 or email music [at] ucumberlands.edu (music[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu.) 

You can learn more about this and other scholarship opportunities on our scholarship page.

Absolutely. Some of your emphasis options are piano, guitar, instrumental, and vocal. You may also choose an education-related emphasis.   

The music department puts on many live concerts throughout the year with each ensemble, so you will be performing live if you are part of an ensemble. The ensembles also do joint concerts with other schools and perform at UC events such as Christmas at the Cumberlands. Sometimes, ensembles even perform with professional guests.  

There are many options for those who complete a music degree. If your goal is to share your music with others, you can pursue careers as an instrumentalist, singer, entertainer, or songwriter. For those who enjoy teaching, you may consider working as music teacher or professor, or perhaps a private tutor or vocal coach. Really, the only limit for talented musicians is their creativity, resourcefulness, and business know-how. If you combine those with your musical skill, your options are virtually limitless.

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.

Anchor: Faculty

Our Music Department Faculty

Learn more about the music professors here at Cumberlands.

Tara Warfield

Dr. Tara Warfield

Professor of Music
Music

Dr. Tara Warfield

Contact Information

tara.warfield [at] ucumberlands.edu
McGaw Music Building
Duane Warfield

Dr. Duane Warfield

Professor of Music/Director of Bands/Low Brass
Music

Dr. Duane Warfield

Contact Information

duane.warfield [at] ucumberlands.edu
Mary McGaw Music Center Office B
Jim Corcoran

James R. Corcoran

Associate Professor/Percussion
Music

James R. Corcoran

Contact Information

james.corcoran [at] ucumberlands.edu
Mary McGaw Music Center Office C

Request Information

Want to know more about Cumberlands? Ask away!

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