Bachelor of Science in Music
The University of Mount Olive offers a Bachelor of Science in Music with two specialized concentrations designed to refine your talent and prepare you for a successful career in the music industry. Whether your goal is to perform, compose, direct, or lead worship, our program provides the skills and hands-on experience needed to thrive in a variety of musical settings. At UMO, small classes mean personalized instruction, plus diverse performance ensembles to enrich your experience!
Choose Your Path
- Vocal/Instrumental Performance:Perfect for aspiring performers, recording artists, and music educators, this concentration focuses on live performance, music production, and diverse musical genres, including opera, classical, musical theater, and contemporary music.
- Worship Arts: Ideal for those called to lead music in worship and ministry settings, this concentration integrates theology with practical training in directing, producing, and leading worship for churches, events, and festivals.
Key Program Features:
Customize your program based upon your individual career goals in music.
UMO provides multiple performance opportunities for both solo performers and ensembles.
Music facilities include multiple practice rooms, Mac Lab, Smart classroom, piano lab, and the historic Hazel Waters Kornegay Assembly Hall.
Program Details
- Develop skills in performing, directing, teaching, producing, and recording music.
- Learn industry-standard music programs and cultivate a unique artistic style.
- Gain practical experience in studio recording, live performance, and sound production.
- Build leadership skills to manage and execute musical productions and worship services.
- Engage in internships with churches or performing arts organizations.
Students complete a required internship with a church or local community performing arts production team during the summer before, or fall/spring semester of, their senior year.
Scholarships of up to $2,000 per semester are available, including:
- Music Talent Awards
- The Charles and Margenette A. Hinnant Music Scholarship
- Ensemble/Choir/Performing Group Scholarships
- The Warren and McRae Instrumental Scholarships
Auditions will take place during Open House events, Trojan First days, and Transfer Student days. Video auditions are also permissable and may be submitted at any time during the student’s junior or senior year.
CAROLINA SOUND: An elite 12-16 member a ccapella vocal ensemble who travels & performs intensely throughout the entire year. This group sings and performs a wide range of genres and styles of music including original songs and arrangements. This group is for the extremely skilled and talented singer looking to be challenged in your vocal and musical skills as well as in your faith. This group ministers and sings in churches, private Christian schools and youth groups proclaiming the gospel message of Jesus Christ and how to live a life of faith. Intense discipleship training is a part of this group’s rehearsal process and spiritual growth is at its core. They also perform secular music in public high schools, corporate events, and theaters across the country. This group is directed by Lester Rector, internationally known singer/songwriter professional performer and worship leader/Christian recording artist. Rehearsals take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 3:30 – 6:00pm. A full or half tuition scholarship is available for being accepted into this group.
CONCERT CHOIR: This is a 30-50 member choir that sings traditional choral literature and/ orgospel style song. This Fall of 2025 & Spring of 2026 they will be learning all the chorus songs from THE PRINCE OF EGYPT the Musical to perform in the Spring Musical Production. This choir meets for a class 1sh elective credit to rehearse every Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:00 am -10:50 am MUS 140. Additional rehearsals will be added during the spring 2026 semester on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4-6 pm as we prepare for the full production of The Prince of Egypt in April 2026. You will learn to sing complex harmonies and be developed into basic vocal technique and music score reading skills. This choir is directed by Dorothy Crocker, MM Ed, music teacher and director. A potential scholarship of $500 – $2,000 is available for all participants and will be determined and awarded between April –May 2025. Auditions are required to join or be awarded scholarship funds.
MUSICAL THEATER/SHOW CHOIR: This is a 15-30 member company of singers, dancers, actors and backstage and media production students who workshop and rehearse to perform a full scale musical production. This group is directed by Holly Rector, MM, professional recording artist, opera & musical theater performer & worship leader/choir director. The heart of this group is to bring the dramatic arts to life with the intent to portray a powerful message of faith, hope & love through the dramatic and performing arts. Fall of 2025-Spring 2026 we will be working on The Prince of Egypt The Musical to perform in April 2026. We need singers, dancers, actors and sound and lighting engineers, backstage managers, administrative rolls, & costume/set design participants. If you love the performing arts, this is a group for you! The rehearsals are 2pm – 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Course for 1sh elective credit is from 2-2:50 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays. IDS 105 MT 03. $500 -$2,000 scholarships are available for participants. Auditions required for performers and an interview process for non-performing participants.
UMO WORSHIP COLLECTIVE: This is a 15-25 member team of students who train and develop in the skills and style of worship music for church & ministry gatherings. The group is a collection of band (instrumental players) & singers who have a call from God in their hearts to lead worship through music. This group performs in UMO chapel services every Tuesday and Thursdays mornings as well as local youth groups, worship festivals, camps, conferences, nights of worship, revivals and church services. Discipleship training and development into a life of faith and obedience to the word of God is at the core of this group! It is directed and lead by Holly Rector, MM, professional Christian recording artist, worship leader, song writer, director & producer and Matt Sharp, UMO campus pastor & youth/adult band & worship leader/pastor. This group meets Tuesdays and Thursday mornings from 9:30-10:50 am for rehearsals & 1sh elective course credit is available IDS 105 MT02. $500 – $2,000 scholarships funds are available upon participation in this group. Auditions or interview is required to participate in this group.
UMO COMBO BAND: 8-14 instrumental ensemble comprised of brass, woodwind, (trumpet, saxophones, trombone) & rhythm section (keyboard, bass, electric & acoustic guitar & drums) that performs various styles of music from pop, to swing, to big band. Directed by Dorothy Crocker MM Ed. This group meets for a 1sh elective credit on Monday, Wednesday, Fridays from 2:00- 2:50 pm for rehearsal. MUS 160. $500 – $2,000 scholarship funds are available upon participation in this group.
What Can You Do With Your Music Degree?
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers, including:
- Live stage performer, director, or producer in musical theater, Broadway, amusement parks, cruise lines, community arts centers, schools, and festivals
- Professional recording artist
- Vocal or instrumental instructor
- Sound, media, or artistic director for church programs and productions
- Worship leader, music minister, or worship arts pastor
- Songwriter, arranger, or band/musical theater director
More Information About Our Music Program
The University of Mount Olive’s Bachelor of Science in Music program helps students build strong skills in music performance, theory, and education. With support from experienced faculty and hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll be prepared for a successful career in music.
Music Program Courses
The music degree courses at UMO cover core areas like music theory, history, performance, and teaching methods. This well-rounded curriculum gives students the training they need for careers in music performance, education, and beyond.
Get Started on Your Music Degree
Take the next step in your career by earning your Music Degree from North Carolina’s University of Mount Olive.
