How well are Asbury College music students prepared?
Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, Asbury College is one of only two private colleges in Kentucky with a nationally accredited music program. Our wide variety of excellent performing ensembles gives students an opportunity to perform some of the finest literature written for those ensembles.
Students' level of preparation is visible in the many awards they win each year. Six to eight Asbury College students typically are selected annually to perform in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band and the Kentucky All-Collegiate Choir. Our student composers continue to win state and regional competitions, and several have had works published in recent years.
What can I do with a degree in music or music education?
Asbury College's music graduates work as educators, performers, church musicians, composers, conductors, arrangers, college professors and many other occupations. In fact, 95 percent of our recent music graduates report that they are employed in the music profession or are pursuing graduate music education.
Will I be able to find a job in my area?
Yes! Right now we are experiencing a national teacher shortage and many additional gifted music teachers are needed. Also, there is a national need for trained church musicians.
Who are the professors?
Asbury College music faculty members have trained in nationally recognized programs and keep on top of their fields with active involvement in professional organizations and off-campus local and regional performing groups. More than 70 percent of the full-time faculty members hold earned doctorates (one of the highest percentages of any institution in Kentucky). They write papers and textbooks, compose musical pieces and attend conferences to sharpen their skills. But their primary focus is on their students. Small classes are taught by experienced faculty members—not graduate students. For many students, their music professors are not just instructors; they are mentors and friends.
What programs in music does the College offer?
Asbury College confers two degrees in the area of music. The B.S. in music (music education major) prepares students for teaching positions in the schools. Also offered is a B.A. in music. Within this major, four emphases are offered: church music, composition/arranging, performance and music history.
How can I become a music major?
If you wish to major or minor in music, you must receive the approval of the music faculty from an entering performance audition. This is typically held during the fall or spring of your senior year of high school.
Auditions are held during the designated visit weekends as well as the All-Star Band Clinic Weekend. You may schedule your audition by contacting the Office of Admissions. Only those auditions completed by March 15 will be considered for music scholarships.
Will I have the chance to perform?
Yes! Performance is a very important part of your educational experience. Asbury College has a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles from which to choose. You will also be required to prepare for and perform in recitals.
Performing on and off campus throughout the United States, ensembles are open to both music and non-music majors. In addition, the College's ensembles have traveled internationally in the former Soviet Union, Scandinavia and Europe. Finally, at the end of your music studies at Asbury College, your hard work will be showcased in your senior recital, which will be performed before your peers, family, professors and friends.
What ensembles are available?
Asbury College offers more than a dozen ensembles each year open to students of any major. Most ensembles, except Women's Choir and Men's Glee Club, select their membership based on auditions:
- Chamber Groups:
- Sextet
- Trombone Quartet
- String Quartet
- String Trio
- Flute Choir
- Guitar Ensemble
- Chorale
- Concert Band
- Concert Choir
- Handbell Choir
- Jazz Ensemble
- Men's Glee Club
- Orchestra
- Women's Choir
What kind of facilities and equipment does the College offer?
You can create your own compositions using Korg synthesizers and Finale software in our departmental MIDI lab or perform Bach on our harpsichord. At Asbury College, we maintain a full inventory of band and orchestral instruments, including a six-octave set of Schulmerich handbells; a three-manual, 50-rank Austin organ; a three-manual, 45-rank Zimmer organ and three additional practice/studio organs.
Concert grand pianos by Steinway and Baldwin are also available. Students develop basic keyboard skills in our Kurzweil keyboard laboratory. In addition, 30 student practice rooms are equipped with studio pianos that can be used for private practices or jam sessions with friends.
Quick Facts
- Nearly 100 percent of music education majors who seek a position in education following graduation find employment.
- Ninety-five percent of recent music graduates report that they are employed in the music profession or are pursuing graduate education.
- More than a dozen ensembles are offered each academic year to students of any major.
- Two private colleges in Kentucky have nationally accredited music programs. Asbury College is one of them.
- The Asbury College Music Department has one of the highest percentages of earned doctorates of any music program in Kentucky.