Department of Music
Welcome to the Department of Music at the University of the Incarnate Word. Located in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, the Music department improves musicianship through a curriculum that is designed to nurture the unique musical gifts of each student.
The UIW Music Department is a community of musicians: music therapists, music educators, composers and performers. Each is dedicated to supporting students as they strengthen their technique, deepen their talent and expand their musical universe.
Through a wide array of courses and experiences, students develop a strong foundation in music theory, aural skills and basic keyboard technique, while exploring their own creativity through composition and improvisation, and pursuing higher-level study of voice or a musical instrument. Classes tend to be small, which allows for more personalized attention and direct access to faculty.
The mission of the Music department is threefold, inspired by UIW’s history as a liberal arts institution, its Mission and its spiritual traditions. First, we seek to deepen our understanding of music through study, performance and the creation of new music. We also examine how music has functioned in different cultures, considering in detail both the long and rich history of Euro-American concert traditions and a variety of other music cultures. Additionally, we work to enrich our lives and the lives we touch outside of UIW through music.
The UIW Music Department offers numerous opportunities for growth through a supportive environment of faculty and staff who welcome students with different backgrounds and abilities, and who want to see them succeed. Students will join an Ensemble – such as the Cardinal Chorale, the UIW Community Orchestra or the UIW Jazz Band – to allow for more performance opportunities. Students also study and practice in the Luella Bennack Music Center, a state-of-the-art center that includes the 500-seat Diane Bennack Concert Hall, Choir and Band rehearsal halls, a recording studio, a music therapy suite and practice rooms.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy
In Music Therapy, students learn to blend musical skills and specialized training, becoming proficient in communication and improvisation through music in various clinical settings. This program prepares students for Music Therapy Board Certification and is accredited by the American Music Therapy Association.
Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Minor in All-Level Certification
This program is specially designed for students who want to become music educators in a public or a private school system. Students choose either a vocal or instrumental focus, and complete a Minor in All-level Education with the goal of passing the Teacher Certification Program (TCP).
Bachelor of Music in Composition
Composition is a comprehensive program that marries music writing and performance. After studying classical (art music) throughout the program, with jazz courses available as electives, students will be prepared to give a public recital of his or her own composition prior to graduation.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Learn about music history, develop proficiency in voice or in an instrument and take courses in a variety of other disciplines to achieve the breadth of learning that characterizes a liberal arts degree. The B.A. in Music degree is appropriate for students who want to major in music and another discipline.
Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Music Industry Studies
The Music Industry Studies program combines study of music with business courses to prepare students for the ever-changing music business. In this major, students learn the practical and applicable skills needed for various careers, such as a record label executive, a recording engineer or an entertainment attorney.
B.A. in Music with an Emphasis in Music Industry Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Performance
Students who wish to develop a high level of proficiency in performing, either in voice or an instrument of their choice, will enjoy this challenging and rewarding program. Students will learn about a variety of topics surrounding music and will demonstrate their knowledge and achievement by performing a public recital prior to graduation.
B.A. in Music with an Emphasis in Performance
Minor in Music
UIW students who are majoring in another discipline have the opportunity to earn a minor in Music, taking 18 credit hours of musicianship and six hours of applied music to become more knowledgeable about music history, music theory and the instrument of their choice.
Minor in Music History
The minor in Music History is intended for Music majors and is appropriate preparation for graduate work in musicology and music theory. This minor allows UIW students to conduct original research in an area that compels them. Graduates of the program have had their research accepted for presentation at regional conferences of the American Musicology Society and the Society for Ethnomusicology.
The Department of Music offers several types of scholarships: Annually Renewable Music Scholarships, One-Year Music Scholarships and Endowed Scholarships.
Below you will find links to helpful information for current students.
- UIW Department of Music Student Handbook (pdf)
- Keyboard Proficiency Exam Guidelines (pdf)
- Student Recital Request (pdf)
- Technical Standards and Essential Functions Required in the Music Therapy Program (pdf)
- Course outcomes for applied instruction (instrumental) (pdf)
- Course outcomes for applied instruction (voice) (pdf)
The Studio Hour Request Form has been removed. Studio Hour has been replaced with Department Recital Hour. Instructions for sign-up are sent at the beginning of each semester.
Links for Music Student Research:
Music Health and Safety Resources:
Accreditation
The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.