Music

The Music program at Wake Forest is small enough to accommodate a variety of student interests. All students receive a solid grounding in music theory and history, with additional coursework in performance and ensembles. More specific interests are served through elective courses in performance, church music, theory and history.

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Did You Know?

• The Music program offers one major with a choice of two concentrations: Performance and Music in Liberal Arts.
• Wake Forest offers students the opportunity to display their talents in formal organizations, which include bands, choirs, orchestras, chamber ensembles and world music ensembles. Every year, students participate in dozens of public performances. 
• In February of 2022, student performers were able to join acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma on stage as part of the Face to Face speaker series.
• Rhodes Scholar Alice Hauser (’23) of Kennebunk, Maine, majored in Philosophy and Music.

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Music include:

• Music History and Culture
• Music Theory for Popular and Jazz Styles
• Improvisation
• Music Production and Recording

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

Music majors may focus on a number of distinct areas of specialization: performance, music theory, composition, or education. Some performance students may focus on developing skill with one musical instrument, while others may specialize in a number of areas.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

• Ability to read, write, and perform music
• Creativity and artistic expression
• Ability to concentrate intensely for long periods of time
• Ability to perceive patterns/structures
• Strong performance techniques
• Able to lead and participate in small and large groups
• Ability to keep audience’s interest
• Perseverance

Clubs & Organizations

Music students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

• Chi Rho
• Demon Divas
• Innuendo
• MeloDeacs
• Minor Variation
• Momentum Crew
• Spirit of the Old Gold and Black
• University Wind Ensemble
• Jazz Ensemble
• Chamber Choir
• Concert Choir
• University Gospel Choir
• University Orchestra
• Colloquium Musicum
• Wake Forest Gamelan
• Wake Forest Chinese Ensemble
• Afro-Cuban Drumming Ensemble
• Musical Empowerment

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Music majors include:

• Artist and Repertoire Person
• Background Music Designer
• Band Director
• Band Leader
• Church Choir Director
• Composer/Arranger
• Copyright Specialist
• Critic
• Director
• Disc Jockey
• Engineer/Mixer
• Film Music Director/Editor
• Instrument Manufacturer
• Instrument Technician
• Music Attorney
• Music Critic
• Music Education Director
• Music Equipment or Instruments Sales Representative
• Music Minister
• Music Publicist
• Music Software Designer
• Music Store Manager
• Music Teacher/Professor
• Music Therapist
• Musician
• Orchestra Librarian
• Orchestra Manager
• Promoter
• Recording Technician
• School Music Programs Coordinator
• Singer/Performer
• Special Events Coordinator
• Studio Musician
• Talent Agent
• Tour Manager
• Writer/Editor

Alumni include judges, social workers, business development executives, museum curators and one of the members of the folk band The Kingston Trio.

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