Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who should consider applying for music study at Furman?
A: Students who have unusual musical ability and who would enjoy the artistic and academic challenges of one of the oldest and most respected music programs and universities in the Southeast should apply. Unique talents, such as music, are weighed in university admissions and financial aid decisions.
Q. Are scholarships available, and in what amounts?
A. Scholarships are available in all performance areas for music majors and non-majors. Amounts range from modest "participation" awards up to half tuition. Furman music scholarships are talent-based awards offered to incoming freshmen and college transfer students based on the results of competitive auditions. Scholarships are renewable annually as long as academic and music award criteria are maintained.
Q. What is the procedure for scholarship auditions?
A: Auditions and interviews are held in Daniel Music Building during specially planned audition weekends. Students audition individually before a faculty committee and complete a brief evaluation of aural aptitude and music fundamentals. For more information on the scholarship audition dates and the application process click here.
Q. Are scholarships available for non-majors?
A: Yes. Although priority is given to students intending to major in music, talented non-majors planning to participate in large ensembles and private lessons are also eligible for consideration.
Q.
What performance opportunities will I have?
A. Because Furman is an all-undergraduate school, all solo opportunities, from opera and oratorio roles, to instrumental solos with band and orchestra, are assigned to our undergraduate musicians. In many other schools these coveted opportunities are usually given to graduate students. In addition to solo music making, there is a variety of chamber music activity, and students may choose from among more than 20 different ensembles. Click here for a list.
Q. What can I do with a music degree?
A. The answer to that question depends solely on you. Our alumni teach, perform, compose and conduct all over the world. Check out this listing of just some of them.
Q. Why study music at Furman?
A. At Furman, you will receive a conservatory-quality music education within the stimulating context of a rigorous liberal arts environment. You'll be expected to practice and perform at a level higher than you've ever thought possible by faculty members who perform as well as teach. You'll find professors who become mentors . . . and friends. You'll perform in ensembles, large and small, for audiences on campus, in Greenville, and far afield.
You'll study and perform in excellent facilities on one of America's most beautiful campuses, challenged by other bright, motivated and talented students both on the stage and in the classroom. You'll be a part of a music program that will help you prepare for your future, whether that be performing, teaching or composing.
Q. What do Furman music graduates do?
A. Just about anything you can imagine. Check out a sampling of our alumni.
Q. What degree programs does Furman offer?
A: Furman offers the Bachelor of Music degree in performance, church music, music education or music theory. Students may also earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in music, which gives them the flexibility to explore interests in other academic areas or to complete a double major in music and another academic area.
Click here for more information about the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Arts in music
Q. What musical opportunities are available to students majoring in other areas?
A: Classes on several performance levels in guitar, voice and piano are structured with general students in mind. Students with good musical backgrounds may also audition for a limited number of spaces in applied music (private lessons) studios. In addition, all of the 20-plus student ensembles are open to majors and non-majors. Click here for more information about performance opportunities. There are also numerous concerts each year open to all students, and non-majors.
Q. What double major options does music study allow?
A: The Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, with its generous allotment of elective hours, allows the possibility of a double major with many of Furman's other academic disciplines.