Overview

The Department of Music is housed in the Conservatory of Music – an effective environment for study, practice, and Music Performance. The Department offers professional degree programs in a liberal arts setting. Our music programs are accredited nationally by the National Association of Schools of Music (since 1940), the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education(NCATE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Winthrop University has identified the arts as one of its areas of excellence.

Through a challenging curriculum and an excellent faculty, Winthrop offers four undergraduate and three graduate music degree programs, as well as extensive opportunities for performance in one of our many and varied ensembles. Additionally, we sponsor over 100 performances annually, most of which are free of charge and open to the general public. If you would like information about music scholarships, please check the link to the left of this page.

 All entering music majors must perform an entrance audition to be accepted into a music degree program. An audition for a music scholarship will also serve as the entrance audition. Auditions are scheduled at various times throughout each semester. New students also take the Basic Music Skills Exam which is scheduled during each of the entrance/music scholarship audition dates. All students must have performed an entrance audition and taken the Basic Music Skills Exam prior to summer orientation for fall enrollment, or prior to the beginning of the spring semester for spring enrollment.

Mission Statement

Winthrop University provides personalized and challenging undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education programs of national caliber within a context dedicated to public service to the nation and to the State of South Carolina. Winthrop's longtime commitment to be among the very best institutions of its kind in the nation continually guides the mission of the university.