About Our Students

When UNC Asheville music majors enter the lower level of Lipinsky Hall, they are stepping into a place where the classical coexists with the contemporary.  They are following in the footsteps of alumni who have landed dream jobs in the music industry. And they are studying in cutting-edge classrooms at the only university where music pioneer Bob Moog ever taught. Moog is best known as the inventor of the Moog synthesizer.

In a rehearsal space down one hallway, the string quartet practices for an upcoming performance in the 600-seat Lipinsky Auditorium.  In the recording studio, two students learn their way around a $100,000 recording and mixing console.  Meanwhile, in the electronic keyboard lab, music majors and minors concentrate over work stations equipped with MIDI keyboards and Macintosh computers.

It's all part of a normal day for the 80 students pursuing degrees in UNC Asheville's Music Department, where those carrying guitar cases and those carrying computers both get a top-notch education. 

The bachelor of fine arts degree in jazz and contemporary music attracts students who are interested in careers as jazz and contemporary music performers, composers and arrangers. These students also make up the various jazz, funk, blues, rock, r&b, fusion, and world ensembles as well as a wide range of vocal groups.

The second track is a bachelor of science degree in music technology. This highly selective program combines music, engineering, mathematics, computer science, music business and electronics. Students learn how to professionally mix and record music and put those skills to use in internship opportunities ranging from Echo Mountain Recording to the Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Graduates of the program have worked with top recording artists, including R.E.M. and Alison Krauss.

Students in the music technology program can now take advantage of the newly dedicated Bob Moog Electronic Music Studio, located in Lipinsky Hall. Named in honor of the late electronic music legend and UNC Asheville professor, the Moog Studio houses a variety of classic analog synthesizers and processors, including a Voyager Mini Moog, Moog pedals and theremins.