The jazz studies and contemporary music program at UNC Asheville offers a dynamic music education blending tradition and contemporary trends with pedagogy and performance.
Why Study Contemporary Music and Jazz at UNC Asheville?
Student and Alumni Spotlights
Alumni William Hinson started is own record label, Something Out Of Nothing Records, while still a student. His most recent album uses cheery, poppy music and a reassuring title.
Alumni Larkin Dodgen’s 2020 EP Touch Me focuses on melancholy love songs.
Folk-based string duo Mama Danger members Nick Cameron and Gabriela Rose met at UNC Asheville and released their first EP in 2018.
Read how four students across multiple disciplines came together to start the small gig band Porcelain Parrot.
“I originally looked into studying classical voice at other in-state institutions, and then realized that by going to UNCA I’d be able to study a wider array of genres outside of just classical music. I didn’t really listen to or play much jazz music at all before coming to college. However, studying jazz has really helped me in my other musical interests.”
Frances Mehlenbacher, Class of ’22
“There’s a surprising amount of avenues within the umbrella of ‘music technology,’ and it’s hard to pin down something I enjoy the most. The most obvious track would be working in a recording studio, but I can also be a mix engineer, mastering engineer, record/edit dialogue and foley for movies and games, build synthesizers or microphones, or even code virtual instruments!”
Jack St. Jean, Class of ’22
Outside the Classroom
Beyond the classroom, UNC Asheville offers a vibrant music scene, from local gigs to jam sessions with peers of all instrumental backgrounds. Our students immerse themselves in a thriving community of fellow musicians and music enthusiasts. Other opportunities for hands-on learning include internships and events.
Events
Students can regularly participate in music and collaboration on campus through performances and events featuring UNC Asheville music students and guest artists. We also run a faculty showcase series, which allows students to experience music from a range of genres and watch faculty members share their craft.
Audition Requirements
Ready to take the stage and be part of this exciting program? To join the jazz studies and contemporary music program, we require that students complete an instrumental audition. We highly encourage students to complete the audition before enrolling at UNC Asheville. We hold auditions twice yearly on campus, usually in the fall or winter.
Meet the Faculty
Passionate about nurturing the next generation of musical talent, our dedicated and experienced faculty members guide students on their musical journey. They bring years of experience and performance to the classroom and encourage students to experiment and collaborate as they hone their skills as instrumentalists.
Emily Mariko Eng
Director of Wind Bands
| Office: 117B Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6530 |
| Email: eeng@unca.edu |
Melodie Galloway
Director of Visual & Performing Arts, Professor of Music; Director of Choral & Vocal Studies
| Office: 223 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6769 |
| Email: mgallowa@unca.edu |
Jonathan Toby King
Associate Professor and Chair of Music
| Office: 216 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6431 |
| Email: jking6@unca.edu |
William Bares
NEH Distinguished Professor; Professor of Music
| Office: 222 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-2312 |
| Email: wbares@unca.edu |
Pamela Miller
Administrative and Program Support Staff
| Office: 215 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6432 |
| Email: pmiller4@unca.edu |
Christine Boone
Associate Professor of Music
| Office: 221 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 258-7668 |
| Email: cboone@unca.edu |
Carolina Perez
Assistant Professor of Music
| Office: 027 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6556 |
| Email: cperez4@unca.edu |
Matthew Richmond
Lecturer of Music
| Office: 117A Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6447 |
| Email: mrichmon@unca.edu |
Charles Jude Weinberg
Associate Director of Music Technology; Lecturer in Music Technology and Electronics
| Office: 026 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6488 |
| Email: cweinber@unca.edu |
Michael Barnes
Adjunct Music Faculty
| Office: 043 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6432 |
| Email: mbarnes@unca.edu |
Andy Jurik
Professor of Music
| Office: 025 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6461 |
| Email: rhansbur@unca.edu |
Jacob Rodriguez
Adjunct Music Faculty
| Office: 043 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6432 |
| Email: jrodrigu@unca.edu |
Richard Shulman
Adjunct Music Faculty
| Office: 043 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6432 |
| Email: rshulman@unca.edu |
Justin Watt
Adjunct Music Faculty
| Office: 042 Lipinsky Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6432 |
| Email: jwatt@unca.edu |
Music Careers & Outcomes
While intended for students wishing to pursue careers as singers, instrumentalists, composers, or arrangers, the B.F.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Music degree can lead to other related professions, such as teaching. Graduates of the program also make up the members of various jazz, funk, blues, rock, R&B, fusion, and world ensembles, as well as a wide range of vocal groups.
Many graduates of UNC Asheville’s jazz and contemporary music program have landed dream jobs working with top artists, such as R.E.M. and Alison Krauss. The versatile nature of the degree means boundless possibilities for performing and collaborating with musical groups of all genres. Some students pursue graduate study to further hone their instrumental skills and widen their performance repertoire or open the door to a career in academia.
Related Programs
Deepen Your Passion in UNC Asheville’s Jazz & Contemporary Music Major
In our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemporary Music program, explore music that shaped and continues to shape the genre. Dynamic by nature and grounded in both theory and practice, you learn through an engaging blend of courses, expert faculty, and numerous performance opportunities. Immerse yourself in Asheville’s vibrant culture and find your unique voice in our program.
Contact Us
| Music Department |
| Phone: 828.251.6432 |
| Email: music@unca.edu |
