Music Degree Program

ABOUT MUSIC EDUCATION

The music education degree gives students the skills and expertise to effectively teach instrumental music, choral music and general music to grades K-12. You can focus on instrumental music education or vocal music education as you earn your degree.

Our music education program offers one of the most comprehensive curriculums in the Southeast. Its focus is active-based learning, with elements of service learning. In your education courses each semester, you will be assigned to successful local school music programs for field experiences in the classroom. One unique feature of our program is that all music education students will teach and conduct a piece of music with the university ensemble before they begin their student teaching experience. This gives them practical experience before they go into the classroom, which helps set them up for success.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Music Education Four Year Plan - Instrumental

Music Education Four Year Plan - Vocal 

The Four Year Academic Plans are standard templates for how a degree can be completed in eight (8) consecutive Fall & Spring semesters.  There is varying flexibility in the exact course sequence depending upon individual student circumstances, major curriculum and course availability.  Students should consult with their Faculty Advisor for course sequencing, degree planning and other considerations.  Students are ultimately responsible for their degree planning.

 

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. Dawn Price

704-233-8307

d.price@wingate.edu

 

ABOUT MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Within the music degree, students can focus on the performance concentration of the program by choosing from instrumental, keyboard or vocal. This gives you the option to double major or minor in virtually any other discipline, while you receive a robust education from a nationally accredited music department.

MAJOR REQUIRMENTS

Aside from the general music courses that are required for graduation, there are also courses specific to the performance emphasis:

• 300- and 400-level music courses and seminars
• Classes in diction, accompanying or chamber ensemble
• Principal performance study

Music Performance Four Year Plan

The Four Year Academic Plans are standard templates for how a degree can be completed in eight (8) consecutive Fall & Spring semesters.  There is varying flexibility in the exact course sequence depending upon individual student circumstances, major curriculum and course availability.  Students should consult with their Faculty Advisor for course sequencing, degree planning and other considerations.  Students are ultimately responsible for their degree planning.

 

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for the music major, students must meet certain criteria:

• Admittance to Wingate University
• Completion of an acceptance audition that consists of:
  • Two-selection performance.
  • Interviews with designated music faculty.
  • Theory Assessment Exam to measure your knowledge of music fundamentals including notation, tonality and scales.

Music Four Year Plan

The Four Year Academic Plans are standard templates for how a degree can be completed in eight (8) consecutive Fall & Spring semesters.  There is varying flexibility in the exact course sequence depending upon individual student circumstances, major curriculum and course availability.  Students should consult with their Faculty Advisor for course sequencing, degree planning and other considerations.  Students are ultimately responsible for their degree planning.

 

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. Kenney Potter

704-233-8305

potter@wingate.edu

INSTRUMENTAL

Bulldog Bands
Bulldogs making music to support our athletes is the primary mission of the Bulldog Bands. The Pep Band plays for football games, including various activities throughout game day. The Basketball Band performs for women’s and men’s home basketball games. Participation in the Pep Band is required in order to be considered for Basketball Band.

Chamber Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble and Brass Quintet are open to all students by audition. Each ensemble presents a specialized repertoire that highlights the proud traditions of brass and percussive instruments.

Wind Ensembles
Wind Ensemble is the premiere instrumental ensemble of the university. The group’s focus is the performance of standard and new band repertoire. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to work on commissioned selections, sometimes with the composer in attendance. Being a part of this ensemble is required for instrumental music majors. Non-majors and members of the community are welcome to audition to be a part of the ensemble.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. Dawn Price

704-233-8307

d.price@wingate.edu

 

VOCAL

Advanced Women's Ensemble
The 25-member ensemble is composed of music majors and non-music majors alike. Members are selected by audition and sing a diverse choral repertoire.

Chamber Choir
The members of the Chamber Choir are a select group of 25 vocalists from University Singers. This ensemble is chosen by audition and sings a diverse choral repertoire.

Men's Choir
Members of the 12-member Men’s Choir, open to all students by audition, perform a wide variety of music from both Western and non-Western traditions.

University Singers
Open to all students on campus, this group is selected by audition. The choir sings a varied repertoire, which ranges from sacred music of the Renaissance to current popular music.

Women's Choir
Forty members make up the Women’s Choir and are chosen based on audition. The choir’s repertoire is as diverse as the other choirs.

 

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. Kenney Potter

704-233-8305

potter@wingate.edu

 

Dr. Nana Wolfe-Hill

704-233-8312

n.wolfehill@wingate.edu

ABOUT OPERA

Each semester, Wingate University students have the chance to showcase their performance skills in a staged production.

The opera program provides students with the chance to sing major roles as they learn the fundamentals: From movement and vocal technique, to how to prepare for a role and handle multiple languages. While auditions are required, Opera Workshop is open to all Wingate University students, including incoming freshmen. Auditions are held in late spring.

A fully staged production with an orchestra takes place in the fall, while a fully staged group of scenes is the spring offering. Past productions include:

• The Tender Land, Aaron Copland
• The Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert and Sullivan
• La Cenerentola, Gioacchino Rossini
• Orpheus in the Underworld, Jacques Offenbach
• Die Fledermaus, Johann Strauss
• Hansel and Gretel, Engelbert Humperdinck

 

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. Jessie Wright Martin

704-233-8308

jmartin@wingate.edu

 

ABOUT PIANO

Students majoring in Piano at Wingate University are trained within a rigorous program of core classical technique and repertoire, collaborative piano, music theory, ear training, and music history.  

Students interested in the program must first audition on campus at Wingate University. Both theory and performance are tested. The music department hosts four auditions each year, so be sure to check the music calendar for dates.

As part of Wingate's music program, you'll enjoy:

• Numerous guest pianist recitals and master classes
• Excellent practice and performance facilities
• A department on the verge of becoming an All-Steinway school
• Small studio sizes for maximum individual attention
• Career guidance for the developing pianist

Piano majors may obtain the Bachelor of Arts with Performance Emphasis, the Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music, the Bachelor of Music Education, and the Bachelor of Arts in Music.

PRIVATE LESSONS AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Students admitted into the program receive private piano lessons from a renowned piano faculty who make their livings playing the piano. In addition to one-on-one guidance, piano majors participate in weekly studio class, and have ample performance opportunities both within and outside of the department. The recently-founded extended-techniques group ensemble243 provides another opportunity for pianists interested in both collaborative music-making and contemporary music.

 

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. David Brooks

704-233-8313

d.brooks@wingate.edu