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About The Program

We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in Brass, where students can choose their area of focus with their instrument and career path.

Students will acquire hands-on training in private applied study, experience performance opportunities in orchestra, band, brass, jazz and chamber music ensembles, participate in interdisciplinary collaborations, and receive mentorship from seasoned faculty. Our graduates are prepared to pursue both higher education and successful music careers. Our program is perfect for students who would like to apply their love of music through brass studies.

  • Degree Overview

    Undergraduate Studies

    The Brass Concentration degree emphasizes performance with opportunities for applied private lessons, exposure to both music business and technology and a strong academic musical foundation. Performing in both large and small ensembles will enable students to thrive as modern musicians.

    Graduate Studies

    The Master of Music and the Doctor of Arts degree in Brass Concentration both provide innovative, 21st-century training for further studies and careers in music. Students will receive advanced instruction in music pedagogy, research and scholarship, graduating with a well-rounded skill set. Individual and ensemble performance opportunities will enable students to deepen and refine their musical artistry.

    Meet the Faculty

  • Beyond the Classroom

    UNC Southard Music Competition

    The UNC Southard Music Competition has traditionally been one of the school’s premier showcase events, highlighting the breadth and depth of the musical talent of students as soloists and chamber players.

    Learn more about the UNC Southard Music Competition

  • Curriculum 

    Bachelor of Music

    The Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance, Brass Concentration, requires 120 credit hours. It includes foundational music coursework such as music theory, aural skills, class piano, history of music, orchestral excerpts, individual applied lessons and the opportunity to attend recitals and concerts by other students and faculty.

    Learn more about the Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance

    Master of Music

    The Master of Music in Instrumental Performance requires 30-31 credit hours of coursework. It includes an introduction to music scholarship and research, individualized applied lessons, seminars in music history and music theory, pedagogy studies with faculty-mentors, and a culminating recital performance.

    Learn more about the Master of Music in Instrumental Performance

     

    Doctor of Arts

    The Doctor of Arts in Instrumental Performance requires 67-71 credit hours of coursework. Through creating a plan of study, students will be able to pursue academic interests in preparation for comprehensive exams, continue individualized applied lessons, participate in a supervised practicum in college teaching, and give recitals and complete dissertation research credits. Doctoral students will also choose a secondary concentration and complete appropriate graduate-level coursework.

    Learn More about the Doctor of Arts

     

    Music Performance Certificate

    The Graduate Certificate in Performance is a two-semester post-baccalaureate course of study designed for advanced, non-degree seeking students wishing to pursue intense and concentrated musical study in horn, trumpet, tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium and tuba at the graduate level. 

    Learn More about the Music Performance Certificate

     Performance Opportunities

    Performance opportunities will be available for the UNC Symphony Orchestra, UNC Bands and Wind Ensemble and UNC Jazz Bands. Through these ensembles, students will be able to perform in interdisciplinary collaborations and experience artistry outside of their own areas. Smaller chamber music groups will be available for more individualized and concentrated music-making experiences.

  • Auditions and Scholarships

    Auditions

    In addition to completing the UNC Undergraduate  or Graduate Application, students will be asked to submit more information and audition on a primary instrument in the complete application process. To learn more about the audition process visit the brass auditions page to find audition requirements for each instrument.

    Brass Audition Requirements

    Scholarships

    The College of Performing and Visual Arts awards over $1.8 million in scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students in the arts. There are multiple scholarship types offered to students, including talent scholarships and foundation scholarships. To learn more, visit the PVA Scholarship page.

    PVA Scholarships

Questions? Get In Touch!

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Application Dates
  • Fall semesterAugust 1*
  • Spring semesterJanuary 1*
  • Summer semesterMay 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.

UNC Brass | Cinderella Spring 2023

UNC Brass | Cinderella, Spring 2023

UNC Brass | Jazz Fest 2023

UNC Brass | UNC•Greeley Jazz Festival, Spring 2023 

UNC Brass | UNC•Greeley Jazz Festival, Spring 2023

UNC Brass | UNC•Greeley Jazz Festival, Spring 2023