Courses of Study
The study of music at Kentucky Wesleyan provides students with the opportunity to pursue their passion for music in one of the school’s exciting music majors. (See links at right for information about degrees offered).
Students pursuing degrees in Music gain a broad understanding of the scope of the field and its contribution to society. Students taking music courses have opportunities to study their instrument in applied lessons and to perform individually and in the college’s performing ensembles.
Music Careers
Music coursework provides Kentucky Wesleyan graduates with a foundation for future learning and for employment in music studios (teaching, arts management), churches (minister of music, organist, worship or praise leader, section leader, etc.), schools (teaching, accompanying), arts organizations (business, management, operations), recording studio work and a myriad of performing opportunities. Many Wesleyan graduates have furthered their studies in graduate programs in music at Westminster Choir College, Boston Conservatory, New York University, UNC Greensboro, and the Mannes School of Music.
Audition Dates for entry into the 2021-22 Academic Year
December 5, 2020
January 23, 2021
March 6, 2021
Audition Requirements
Voice: For music education and performance majors, prepare two contrasting selections from the classical repertoire (ex. one art song in English and one in a foreign language). You may elect to substitute one piece for a musical theater selection. Both selections should be performed from memory.
For non-music majors seeking choral scholarships, prepare either one song from the classical or music theater repertoire, or an excerpt from a choral piece.
Piano: Prepare two pieces from contrasting periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern) totaling at least ten minutes of music. Multi-movement works do not need to be performed in their entirety.
Piano performance applicants are required to perform both pieces from memory. Non-performance applicants are required to perform one of the pieces from memory.
Scholarships
Prospective music students are welcome to audition for a music scholarship. Award values vary and may be renewed based on continuing music achievement and participation. We will offer auditions to applicants prior to their admission to the college; however, scholarships for music (as well as other types of financial aid) are awarded only after you have gained admission to Kentucky Wesleyan College and submitted your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results.
Performance Opportunities
Kentucky Wesleyan Singers, Wesleyan Chorale, Wesleyan Vocal Scholars
The Kentucky Wesleyan Singers showcase a select vocal ensemble in a wide variety of beautiful choral repertoire. The Singers maintain an active schedule with numerous performances each year at such locations as churches, schools, and business and charitable organizations, as well as performances with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. Recent tours have taken the choir to various performance venues, including a trip to Carnegie Hall, New York City and European Tour of Austria, Czech Republic and Germany. A partnership with the Owensboro Symphony Chorus, the Wesleyan Chorale is a larger civic chorus dedicated to performing choral masterworks on a large scale. Recent performances have included Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Rutter’s Gloria, and Fauré’s Requiem.
Kentucky Wesleyan Wind Ensemble, Kentucky Wesleyan Chamber Orchestra
The Kentucky Wesleyan Wind Ensemble provides performance opportunities to talented students. The band presents four concerts each year. The band also provides the foundation for the Wesleyan Pep Band for our nationally recognized basketball team. Band Activity Grants are available. The Wesleyan Chamber Orchestra offers the opportunity to perform orchestral repertoire under the direction of various faculty at the college who specialize in the music of wind, brass, and string ensembles and chamber orchestras.
Internships
Kentucky Wesleyan College students have opportunities for internships with professional music corporations, including the RiverPark Center, Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Sunlite Music, Wax Works, International Bluegrass Music Museum, and Owensboro and Daviess County Public Schools. Industry professionals serve as guest lecturers and add their insight and expertise to the formal curriculum.
Contact
If you are interested in learning more about music at Kentucky Wesleyan College, please contact Dennis Jewett, Associate Professor of Music; Director of Voice & Music Education by email at djewett@kwc.edu.
Are you interested in getting in contact with our music faculty? Submit an information form here!
A Sampling of Music Performance at Kentucky Wesleyan College
The Kentucky Wesleyan Concert Band
Spring Concert
Godzilla Eats Las Vegas
Kentucky Wesleyan College Wind Ensemble
Selections from Mozart’s Requiem
The Wesleyan Chorale & The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra
“Calling My Children Home”
Wesleyan Vocal Scholars
Opening Convocation