About Lipscomb
Music FAQ
Where is Lipscomb's Department of Music located?
Lipscomb University is located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee, on the grounds of founder David Lipscomb's farm, known as Avalon. A mall and a variety of restaurants are located a little over two miles away. A public library branch is located one mile from campus. Apartments, rental houses, and garage/attic apartments are often available within walking distance of campus. Downtown Nashville is a 15 minute drive away.
The Music Department offices, classrooms, and practice rooms (including two "virtual rooms" equipped with adaptive acoustics) are located in the new James Thomas McMeen Music Center in the heart of the Lipscomb campus. A piano/computer lab with music composition software and a music library are located in the office complex. The McMeen building adjoins the Burton building and is located just north of the student center. Performance venues include the Collins Alumni Auditorium for large ensembles and the Ward Lecture Auditorium and Shamblin Theatre for soloists and smaller groups. Click here for a map of the campus.
What scholarships are available?
All music majors and minors may audition for scholarships. These awards are based solely on the audition, and are not tied to any other academic scholarships for which you may be eligible. In addition, instrumentalists may audition for a participation scholarship. All scholarship recipients participate in the appropriate ensemble or, for pianists, the accompanying class. Go to the main scholarships page and apply online! Scholarships are currently offered for amounts up to $3000 per year for music majors.
What degrees do you offer?
We offer the Bachelor of Music Degree in Instrumental Performance, Piano Perfmornace, Vocal Performance, and Composition. Bachelor of Music in Music Education in Instrumental Teaching and Vocal Teaching. Bachelor of Arts in Music, Interdisciplinary Major in Worship Ministry, and a Bachelor of Science in Music.
Can I minor in music?
Yes, in fact the curriculum for the freshman year is the same for music majors and minors, so you have a full year to decide between a music major or minor. In addition to the general music minor, we offer a minor in church music.
Can I make a living with a degree in music?
Every year we have more calls for our students to fill music teaching positions than we have graduates. Most of our graduates have several job opportunities from which to choose. We have former students teaching at several Christian middle and high schools, in public schools, and at Pepperdine University, University of Texas at San Angelo, Clayton State University, and Abilene Christian University. We have also had graduates who make their living by teaching private students, writing and arranging, and performing.
What are my chances of getting into a graduate school?
In the last fifteen years, all of our music majors that have wanted to go to graduate school have been accepted at desirable schools. Our students have done graduate work at Indiana University, the University of Houston, the University of Kentucky, the University of Denver (Lamont School of Music), DePaul University, the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama, the University of Oklahoma, Radford University, Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University, Memphis State University, Ohio State University, and the University of Ohio.
What are your faculty''s credentials?
Six of our seven full-time faculty hold the earned doctorate in their area, each from a different institution. They bring a wide range of experience and expertise to both classes and lessons. Many of our private instructors are drawn from professional musicians in the Nashville community, including members of the Nashville Symphony and studio musicians in Nashville's thriving recording industry.
What ensembles are offered?
There are two major vocal ensembles and a concert band, plus several smaller ensembles. Some of these may require an audition. All of the following are offered every semester: A Cappella Singers, Concert Band, Jazz Band & Jazz Vocal Ensemble, and the Early Music Consort. Opera Workshop is offered one semester per year. Click here to see other ensembles offered according to demand.
What if I want to participate in a marching band?
Some members of the University Concert Band also participate in the Vanderbilt University marching band. Vanderbilt provides stipends for those from other schools who participate. The universities have a standing agreement that Lipscomb students must participate in the Lipscomb Concert Band to be eligible to participate in the Vanderbilt marching band.
Are piano skills required?
Yes, both majors and minors have to pass a piano proficiency exam. This is a standard requirement of all university music programs. We offer both class piano and private lessons to help you prepare for the exam.
What musical opportunities does Nashville provide?
In addition to our own award-winning Artist Series and the Faculty & Friends Series, there are many concerts to choose from in Nashville every week. The Nashville Symphony is a fine orchestra and brings world-class soloists as guests. The historic Ryman Auditorium has a superb series of classical concerts as does Vanderbilt University in their Great Performances series. Nashville also has its own professional opera and ballet. There are also many free programs available at Belmont University and the Blair School of Music. The most comprehensive online calendar of classical music events is found in the music section of nashville.citysearch.com.
Is the Lipscomb Department of Music accredited?
Yes, the Lipscomb University Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
What makes your school stand out from the other schools I may have visited?
Nashville offers a rich cultural and musical environment with reasonable admission prices and venues relatively close to campus. The campus is located in one of the most desirable and safe neighborhoods in the city. Movies, restaurants, a large bookstore and an upscale shopping mall are all within walking distance of the campus.
How do I prepare for entering the music curriculum in the fall?
You should be studying privately with a qualified teacher for your instrument or in voice. In addition, if you have had no instruction in piano, it would help to begin piano study. Any high school courses you can take in music theory would be beneficial. Also, take every opportunity to attend orchestral concerts, recitals, and opera performances in addition to acquiring a good collection of classical CDs.