The Department of Music provides instruction by experienced professionals, connections with world-class performers, and opportunities to share your vocal or instrumental talents with the campus and greater community through participation in a variety of small and large ensembles.
With a curriculum taught by an outstanding faculty, you can prepare for a career in music performance, ministry, education, composition or business.
The Department of Music offers two degrees: the Bachelor of Arts in Music and the Bachelor of Music. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music must select one discipline from amongst six emphases: Education, Composition, Business and Music Industry, Performance, Traditional Worship, or Contemporary Worship.
Specific requirements and additional information about these degrees can be found in the Academic Catalog. Gardner-Webb University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Ensembles housed in the Department of Music vary in size and scope and are open to all Gardner-Webb students regardless of major.
Major Ensembles:
Every semester, Music majors must participate in a major ensemble aligning with their Primary Applied instrument to maintain Honors Music Scholarship requirements. Non-Music Major participants of Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and the University Chorales receive a scholarship of $1,000 per year. Non-Music Major participants of Concert Choir receive a scholarship of $1,500 per year.
Small Ensembles:
Some small ensembles require an audition; others do not. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Athletic Bands:
Athletic Bands provide an integral element to the gameday experience of football, basketball, and other sporting events. Members of the Marching Bulldogs receive a scholarship of $1,000 per year. Members of the GWU Pep Band receive a scholarship of $250 per year.
Come experience the life of a Music major at Gardner-Webb University. During this immersive event you will get a personalized class schedule including a free private lesson, lunch with current Music majors in our cafeteria, a meeting with our Admissions counselors, and a campus tour. Take this opportunity to truly dive into our curriculum, meet our faculty, and become friends with our students. The Department of Music Preview Day will show you how our students are making their mark in the classroom, rehearsal hall, and the southeast region.
Date: TBA, Fall 2024Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Honors Music Scholarships are awarded to Music majors by audition. The Honors Music Scholarship Audition details are available via the link below. These awards are renewed on an annual basis.
Honors Music Scholarship Auditions are typically held in the Spring semester of a given academic year and begin in January. The earlier an applicant auditions, the more funding is available. We encourage all interested individuals to audition at their earliest convenience.
The procedure to schedule an audition and a list of audition dates are available via the Music Major Scholarship Application link below. Details on audition processes for voice and instruments are available at the Audition Requirements link.
For more information about scholarships, degrees, or ensembles please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or phone at (704) 406-4448.
I can honestly say that every professor in the music department has made some impact on my life, whether they know it or not.”
Gardner-Webb helped prepare me (for graduate school) by giving me a solid foundation in music. I grew as a person and developed a solid work ethic at GWU that I was able to take with me to graduate school.”
I had access to quality professors in a setting that allowed us to get up close and personal with the material presented as well as the practical applications that would come after graduation.”
