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Music

Renowned Faculty Mentors, Student Compositions Performed Live Every Semester

The Music program at Queens is designed to support you as you explore, refine, and push the limits of your artistic skill and talent. Our students participate in ensembles, take lessons from our outstanding faculty, and hear their compositions performed live every semester at our newly renovated and state-of-the-art Gambrell Center – a dream venue for musicians and composers alike. Our Gambrell Center draws world-class visiting artists, who give live performances right in the heart of our campus. The surrounding city of Charlotte also offers ample opportunity to take in stunning live performances, whether it’s enjoying the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra or one of the hundreds of live performances that take place in the Queen City every year.

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Meet Jill Willis ’24 & Donovan Perkins ’26

“My senior recital in November was the very first conducting recital that Queens has ever had. I had to assemble my own choir and choose my music, and it was beautiful,” says Jill, whose primary instrument is voice. “All I had desired to do was quietly finish my degree and go on about my life. But Queens has been so much more than that. Without a doubt, I am a far better person than I was when I started.” Learn more about Jill’s experience at Queens.

“I initially chose Queens because of the warm welcome I received from the faculty and the honor of being awarded a presidential scholarship. I have chosen to remain at Queens because I am always inspired by the dedication and passion of the faculty and professors. Their unwavering commitment motivates me to channel my own passion into all that I do. I believe that passion is an essential part of life, and I am committed to staying in an environment where it thrives in abundance.” – Donovan Perkins ’26

Program Highlights

  • As a Music major at Queens, you will study and perform in our brand new Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement, featuring the state-of-the-art Sandra Levine Theatre.
  • You will participate in ensembles and compose your own work, which will be featured in live performances throughout the academic year.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty members with deep expertise in their fields.
  • You’ll learn the rich history and fundamentals of music as you hone your artistic abilities. You’ll also have the opportunity to concentrate your studies in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, piano performance, piano pedagogy, guitar performance, or composition.
  • Our students can pursue a double major in Music and Arts Management & Business, giving you a holistic perspective on the broader industry and preparing you for a wide range of career opportunities.

Your Degree in Action

Queens music graduates go on to become:

  • Performers 
  • Accompanists 
  • Music teachers 
  • Church musicians 
  • Composers/songwriters 
  • Music directors or arrangers 
  • Music librarians 
  • Arts administrators and arts managers

Our graduates have also pursued graduate studies at these institutions: 

  • Peabody Conservatory 
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts 
  • Radford University 
  • University of Sheffield (England) 
  • Mannes School of Music 
  • University of Toronto (Canada) 

Selected Courses

  • Music Theory and Ear Training I (MUS 105) 
  • Conducting (MUS 310) 
  • Music History and Literature I (MUS 321) 
  • Vocal Pedagogy (MUS 323) 

Program Contact

Jennifer Piazza-Pick, DMA

Jennifer Piazza-Pick, D.M.A.
Director of the Music Program
Assistant Professor, Art, Design and Music
piazza-pickj@queens.edu
704-337-2246

Meet Your Professors

Accreditation

The music programs at Queens have maintained accreditation standards with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1950. The NASM standards at Queens are maintained through excellence in teaching, coursework, ensemble experience, applied performance, facilities, and faculty at Queens. Through these rigorous sets of criteria, students experience a high level of achievement within and outside of the classroom, studio, and performance halls.