School of Music

William R. Green, Dean

Phillip Thomas, Associate Dean

National Association of Schools of Music

The Lee University School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM has been recognized by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation of all music curricula. NASM is a constituent member of the American Council on Education. In the field of teacher education, the Association cooperates with the Council on Accreditation of Education Programs (CAEP). The services of the Association are available to all types of degree-granting institutions in higher education and to non-degree-granting institutions offering pre-professional programs or general music training programs.

School of Music Statement of Purpose

To achieve its goal of inspiring students, the School of Music immerses them in the formative experience of making music with others and for others, fostering creativity; and it provides deep, engaging encounters with great music, all under the mentorship of music professionals and scholars who are committed to the mission of Lee University. To achieve its goal of equipping students, the School of Music provides one-on-one studio instruction, ample opportunities for solo and ensemble performances, and classroom instruction in music history and literature, theory and analysis, musicianship, and a host of discipline-specific subjects.

The School of Music serves the University campus and the broader community by maintaining a variety of music ensembles that are open to interested and talented students and community members, by providing music for chapel and other worship services, and by offering frequent high-quality concerts performed by our own musicians as well as by guest artists. No matter the context, the School of Music believes that the ultimate purpose of music is to honor God, and that the appropriate response to the experience of music is gratitude and adoration for the Creator, who is the source of every good and perfect gift.

School of Music Goals

The Lee University School of Music seeks to demonstrate its commitment to Lee University’s Expanded Statement of Institutional Purpose and its own Statement of Purpose through the following stated goals:

To implement a comprehensive curriculum in applied study, solo and ensemble performances, musicianship studies, and major-specific courses.
To counsel and mentor students in scholarly pursuits, artistic advancement, and faith development.
To support a faculty of highly qualified music professionals who are committed to teaching, scholarship, and student advising.
To provide staff, facilities, equipment, and resources necessary for student preparation and performance at the highest level.
To engage in Christian stewardship and service at the university, in the church, and in the community, the region, and the world.

The School of Music offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Music (Emphasis in Music Business), Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music in Music and Worship, and Bachelor of Music in Performance degrees.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

While developing performance and ensemble skills, understanding music in the broader context of the humanities is the priority of this major. It also provides a sizable percentage of elective hours, making it an attractive option for students who wish to pursue a second major.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MUSIC (Emphasis in Music Business)

Offered in cooperation with the School of Business and the Department of Communication Arts, this degree provides multidisciplinary instruction to students desiring careers in the music industry, especially as performers, songwriters, arrangers, or entrepreneurs. Building on a core of music classes, the degree culminates with a specialized project.

BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION

Offered in cooperation with the Helen DeVos College of Education, a degree in music education leads toward teacher licensure for the student pursuing a career in elementary or secondary schools. This program provides the pedagogical and musical preparation needed for students to succeed as music educators. The program meets all requirements for K-12 music education certification through the Tennessee Department of Education.

Music Education - Endorsements and Procedures

BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN MUSIC AND WORSHIP

Designed to equip students for musical leadership in a variety of ministry settings, this program develops knowledge and skills through intensive musical study supported by a broad general core. Special emphasis is given to an understanding of the biblical guidelines for worship and music along with opportunities for practical application of skills. Performance literature includes a well-selected balance of standard repertory and contemporary selections.

BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE

A student with significant talent and experience in music may audition for this highly selective degree program. Its primary focus is to prepare the student for study in performance at the graduate level, a performance career, and/or studio teaching. Study of specialized pedagogy and literature completes the music core of theory, history, and analysis.

Official Acceptance to the School of Music

Requirements for acceptance of a student to the School of Music which must be completed prior to registration are:

Admission to the University.
An audition in the primary area of applied study (instrumental, keyboard, strings, or voice).
The demonstration of skills that can be developed to enable the student to serve successfully as a performer, music educator, church musician, or music entrepreneur; any deficiencies must be completed during the first year.
The completion of a music theory placement exam.
The completion of a piano placement evaluation.