About the Music Program

Westminster's Music program prioritizes teaching that centers on the individual. Majors, minors, and participants all receive individualized attention in smaller class sizes; have opportunities for a music scholarship; and are given occasions to take the spotlight in solo and ensemble performances, competitions, workshops, and interdisciplinary activities.

In the Music program, you are encouraged to discover other interests where you can forge new pathways for your creativity. Faculty are passionate about helping you transform into a highly-skilled, competitive artist and performer. Each of them has years of experience teaching in the classroom and private studio, performing on stage, and working in the recording studio.

Upcoming Music Performances

Westminster offers musical performances from students, faculty, and members of the Salt Lake community throughout the year.

• Faculty Recital: Pegsoon Whang, cello and Emily Williams, piano

  November 4, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Westminster Concert Series: Leoš Janáček’s Diary of One Who Disappeared

  November 18, 2024 | 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

• Westminster Concert Series: Hear & Now

  February 24, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

• Westminster Concert Series: A'lante Flamenco

  April 6, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

• Westminster Concert Series: A'lante Flamenco

  April 7, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

check out upcoming performances

Auditions

Auditions for entrance into the Music program are held annually in January, February, and March. Music scholarships are awarded based on the audition process. Students who audition before March 1 are given scholarship priority, so it is strongly recommend that you schedule your audition as early as possible.

Learn about Music Auditions

Preview Lessons

One of the most important components of any music education is the rapport and trust between teacher and student. The Music program provides the unique opportunity of meeting with Westminster music instructors during a preview lesson to find out for yourself if you like their style of teaching. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about your audition or seek advice on your particular career path.

To schedule a preview lesson, contact the Music program at 801.832.2379 or music@westminsteru.edu.

Performing Ensembles and Private Lessons

The Music program offers classes, ensembles, private lessons, and other performance opportunities to further explore your interest in music.

Ensembles

Westminster University music ensembles are open to capable and committed students, faculty, staff, and in some cases, members of the community. Ensembles include:

• Westminster Community Choir
• Westminster Chamber Singers
• Westminster Chamber Orchestra
• Westminster Jazz Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
• Chamber Players
• Westminster Opera Studio

learn about music ensembles

Private Lessons

All Westminster students can register for 1—2 credit hours of private music lessons. The Music program offers lessons in voice, piano, guitar, percussion, flute, cello, violin, and bass. You will have 13 weekly lessons per semester, each lasting 30 minutes for 1 credit hour, or 60 minutes for 2 credit hours. Private lesson courses are graded and cannot be audited. The majority of your lesson will be focused on technique, repertoire, and artistry.

Learn About Private Instrumental Lessons Learn About Private Voice Lessons

Community Partnerships

Westminster’s music department is proud to partner with performing arts organizations across Salt Lake City. Many current Westminster students participate in the following organizations:

• Young Artist Chamber Players
• Utah Flute Association
• Utah Symphony
• Utah Opera
• National Association of Teachers of Singing
• Salt Lake Symphonic Winds

If your organization or high-school performing ensemble is interested in collaborating on performance opportunities, or reserving the Vieve Gore Concert Hall for an upcoming event, please contact our music department at music@westminsteru.edu.

Summer Camps

High school students can learn from Westminster's music faculty during 2 summer camps: SummerSong for singers and pianists and Strings Camp for violin, cello, and double bass players. Students must apply and be accepted into a camp to participate. Scholarships are available.

Learn About SummerSong Learn about Strings camp

Florence J. Gillmor Hall Expansion

Florence J. Gillmor Hall, an expansion to the Jewett Center for the Performing Arts, transforms the experience of performing arts students with enhanced classroom, rehearsal, and performance spaces. To better serve music students, the expansion includes:

• a 100-seat recital hall, housing 2 concert grand pianos, a 5-channel immersive audiovisual system, and ideal acoustics for student and faculty solo and chamber music recitals, guest masterclasses, lectures, and more;
• sound-proof practice rooms and teaching spaces, allowing students essential practice time on new pianos, opportunities to rehearse chamber music together, and for faculty to teach private lessons;
• a choir rehearsal room with vaulted ceilings and surround seating that accommodate guest lectures and informal student performances as well as provide space for the Westminster Chamber Singers and Westminster Community Choir ensembles to rehearse; and
• a student lounge where students from the Music, Theatre, and Dance programs can hang out, study together, or put together an impromptu performance.

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Meet the Faculty