Admissions
Resources for
Department of Music
Use your gifts to exalt God and inspire others — on the stage, in the classroom, in the church, and beyond.
Ethos
Accreditation
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1966.
In Person
The Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music at Union University prepares students for careers in the music industry through studies in performance, composition, arranging, music technology, and business — all integrated with a Christian perspective. Students gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, equipping them for the diverse demands of today’s… Read More
In Person
The Composition emphasis at Union University equips students with advanced skills in music theory, counterpoint, orchestration, electronic composition, and songwriting. Grounded in a Christ-centered academic environment, students develop both technical mastery and creative voice — preparing them for careers in composition, arranging, music education, and the broader music industry.
In Person
The music program at Union University offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees with a principal area of applied study selected by the student. Grounded in a Christ-centered liberal arts tradition, students complete the General Core alongside music-specific requirements — developing musicianship, intellectual breadth, and a minor outside… Read More
In Person
The Bachelor of Music in Music Education at Union University prepares highly effective music educators through a curriculum grounded in musical knowledge, performance skill, and pedagogical excellence. Students develop sensitivity to diverse learning needs, a commitment to lifelong inquiry, and a Christ-centered worldview — equipping them for rewarding careers in… Read More
In Person
The Music Performance major at Union University develops advanced musicians through focused study in voice, piano, or organ. Students develop technical mastery, musical artistry, and performance skills within a Christ-centered academic environment — preparing them for professional performance careers, graduate study, and careers in music education and church music.
In Person
The Music Theory emphasis at Union University develops well-rounded musicians through coursework in ear training, sight singing, music theory, improvisation, conducting, orchestration, and music entrepreneurship. Students build both technical mastery and creative versatility — preparing them for careers in performance, music business, education, and beyond.
In Person
Worship Leadership at Union University provides specialized training in worship ministry within a deeply committed Christian university setting. Students develop practical music skills alongside biblical, theological, and contextual studies — preparing them to lead worship effectively in the modern evangelical church.
Online
The Master of Music in Music Technology at Union University is a fully online program preparing graduates for careers as professional audio engineers in studio recording, post-production, and live performance. The program develops advanced technical proficiency while strengthening faith — equipping students to pursue excellence in the profession to which… Read More
Online
The Master of Music in Worship Leadership at Union University is a fully online program offering concentrations in Worship Technology and Christian Ministries. The program provides four core areas of development — foundational music in worship, worship leadership studies, research, and a chosen concentration — equipping students for leadership roles… Read More
Union's music faculty are accomplished performers, composers, educators, and producers who teach from real professional experience and genuine Christian conviction. With small class sizes, they invest personally in every student — challenging you to reach your potential and forming you as a whole musician whose excellence is an act of worship.
Rhonda Bauer
Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education and Director of Summer High School Music Camp
Rhonda Bauer
Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education and Director of Summer High School Music Camp
Tony Cooper
Co-Chair and Associate Professor of Worship Studies | Director
Tony Cooper
Co-Chair and Associate Professor of Worship Studies | Director
David J. Culp
Associate Professor of Music
David J. Culp
Associate Professor of Music
Nathan Kennedy
Associate Professor of Piano and Commercial Keyboard
Nathan Kennedy
Associate Professor of Piano and Commercial Keyboard
Bob Mayo
Assistant Professor of Recording Engineering and Music Technology
Bob Mayo
Assistant Professor of Recording Engineering and Music Technology
Mark McDowell
Assistant Professor of Commercial Music: Film Scoring & Media
Mark McDowell
Assistant Professor of Commercial Music: Film Scoring & Media
Kate Rawls
Associate Professor of Music
Kate Rawls
Associate Professor of Music
Joshua Veltman
Co-Chair and Professor of Music
Joshua Veltman
Co-Chair and Professor of Music
E-mail: hnbrown@uu.edu
Education:
M.V.P., Westminster Choir College (Expected Grad Dec 2027)
B.F.A., Lipscomb University
E-mail: egray@uu.edu
Education:
B.M., Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
M.M., Austin Peay State University
E-mail: djoyner@uu.edu
Education:
B.M.E. in Vocal & Instrumental Music, Mississippi State University
E-mail: cwlewis@uu.edu
Education:
M.M., University of Memphis
B.M., University of Tennessee at Martin
E-mail: drmartin@uu.edu
Education:
B.A., Bethel University
Post-bacc, Berklee College of Music
M.Ed., Western Governors University
E-mail: bmclemore@uu.edu
Education:
M.M., Ohio University
B.M., Bowling Green State University
E-mail: smoore@westjacksonbc.org
Education:
B.A. in Christian Studies, Union University
M.A. in Worship, Southern Seminary
Education:
M.M. in String Pedagogy, University of Memphis
M.A. in String Performance, Pensacola Christian College
B.A. in String Performance, Pensacola Christian College
E-mail: eperez@uu.edu
Education:
M.A. in Cello Performance, University of Memphis
B.A. in Cello Performance, The Hartt School of Music
E-mail: dasmith@uu.edu
Education:
D.M.A. in Trumpet Performance, University of Memphis
M.M., University of North Texas
B.M., Missouri State University
E-mail: rsmith@uu.edu
Education:
M.M., Belmont University
B.M., Belmont University
E-mail: mmathenia@uu.edu
Education:
B.M., University of Memphis
Piano Certification, Rhodes College
E-mail: messary@uu.edu
Education:
A.A. in Music, Cumberland College
B.M. in Piano, Union University
An audition is required for admission into a music major or music minor program. The audition is also used to evaluate the student’s eligibility for a music scholarship.
Through the audition process, students demonstrate (1) talent and capability in voice or an instrument, (2) the potential to develop advanced levels of musicianship, (3) proven academic success, (4) and a strong sense of purpose and commitment to calling.
Auditions are performed on campus at the Department of Music at designated times of the year, often scheduled in conjunction with the College Preview Day events. However, students who live more than 200 miles from campus may opt to audition via video submission.
Complete the online Audition Application and use the guidelines on this website to create your audition video and email it to our Departmental Secretary at music@uu.edu. Erica Holloway will then contact you to set up a Zoom Interview with our faculty after viewing the recorded audition. You will also take an online theory test to aid in class placement.
Based on these auditions, students will be placed in a studio for music instruction appropriate to his or her skills and aspirations. Keyboard evaluations will be given at a later date to non-keyboard majors for placement into the correct keyboard level.
Music scholarships are awarded by audition and arranged by the Department of Music. Music scholarships are awarded on the basis of talent and departmental needs. Music major scholarships may be added to other forms of financial aid.
Auditions will look slightly different depending on the degree programs you are interested in. Select the option below for the suggested audition material for the degrees that interest you. (coming soon)
Along with ensembles, private lessons are available to non-majors too.
The Department of Music is committed to the health and safety of all musicians involved in its activities. Every effort will be made to protect the body, mind, and souls of the students, staff, faculty, and guests. This includes:
While the Department of Music will strive to foster healthy practices and environments, the faculty and staff are not trained medical professionals. When appropriate, referrals will be made to medical and counseling help provided by the university. In special cases, music related concerns may be referred to an off-campus medical specialist.
The following are on-campus, free health services for students, faculty, and staff of Union University.
