The study of music at Kentucky Wesleyan provides students with the opportunity to pursue their passion for music in one of our school’s exciting music majors. If you have a passion for music and a desire to make a lasting impact on society, our vibrant music program is the perfect fit for you.
At Kentucky Wesleyan, we offer top-notch undergraduate majors in music, music education and music industry. Our dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you receive a quality education that sets you up for success in your chosen music field.
Music is more than just notes and melodies. It’s a powerful force that shapes culture, influences emotions, and fosters creativity. By delving into the world of music, you’ll gain a broad understanding of its profound contribution to society. Develop your communication skills and learn the art of expression through music, all while contributing to the greater cultural awareness in our diverse society.
Our music courses offer a plethora of exciting opportunities. From captivating performances to engaging discussions, you’ll participate in ensembles and private study that challenge and inspire you. Through these experiences, you’ll sharpen critical thinking, logical reasoning, and ethical decision-making skills.
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. Students who choose to explore the business side will be prepared for careers with music publishers and retailers, work in the radio/TV/film industry, and to become collaborators and entrepreneurs in the music business. 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.
Auditions
Audition Dates for 2024-2025 Academic Year
Saturday, December 2Saturday, January 27Saturday, February 3
If you are interested in scheduling an audition or have questions about the audition process, please contact Dr. Lisa Clark, Music Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Music, by email at lclark@kwc.edu or by phone at 270-852-3623.
Audition Requirements
Instrumental
- Prepare two contrasting works that demonstrate your ability technically and musically. One of these can be your All-State or District solo.
- Major and chromatic scales as requested
- Possible sight reading
- Any additional material that you feel exemplifies your musicianship and versatility (i.e. excerpts, jazz, etc.)
Vocal
- Prepare two contrasting selections from the classical repertoire (ex. one art song in English and one in a foreign language). Both pieces should be performed from memory.
- You may elect to substitute one piece for a musical theater selection.
- Tonal memory (singing back four or five-note pitch patterns).
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. Visit the KWC Scholarships page to learn more about more scholarship opportunities.
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.
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.
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
Contact
If you are interested in learning more about music at Kentucky Wesleyan College, please contact Dr. Lisa Clark, Music Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Music, by email at lclark@kwc.edu.
Are you interested in getting in contact with our music faculty? Submit an information form here!