School of Music Immersion Day 2025

7:30a - Registration - McMeen Lobby

8:00a - Tour with Music Faculty and Students - Line up outside

Explore the School of Music on a guided tour led by our own SOM students and faculty! You will see the classrooms and spaces that will be listed on your schedule - so pay attention to where your classes and sessions will be held!

9:00a - Classes

• Identity & Artistry - CoHo - Prof Don Chaffer 
  An exploration of core issues encountered by artists in the pursuit of their craft. Class sessions and assignments include readings, journal, and hearing the stories of other artists, with emphasis on practical skills for living the creative life and understanding one’s own core identity.
• Intro to Music Theory - Burton 155  - Dr Donna King 
  Designed for those with little or no previous training in music theory, MU 1103 provides content and practice in pitch and rhythmic notation, aural skills, scales and keys, intervals, triads, and principles of musical form. Students will use basic elements of common chord notation systems, including Roman numerals, lead sheet symbols, and Nashville Numbers.
• Complete Worship Leader - McMeen 142 - Dr Randy Gill 
  This course addresses the roles and responsibilities associated with being a proficient worship leader, including ministry values, leading vocal and instrumental rehearsals, leadership skills, team building, effective communication, budget and resource management, etc.
• University Chorale - McMeen 206 - Dr Matt Taylor 
  Come sing with Lipscomb’s SATB choir! All levels of singing abilities and backgrounds are welcome. We rehearse and perform choral music from a wide variety of genres and eras. There is something for everyone! Our rehearsals are low-stress but high-performing, and focused on ensemble musicianship.
• Music Lobby Hangout - McMeen 108a 
  Enjoy the main music student hangout spot - our music lobby. Find a comfy seat to prepare for your day as a music major, talk with students and enjoy the hustle of life that lives in our building! 

10:00a - Classes 

• Theory II - McMeen 142 - Prof Lisa Kacos 
  The second semester of college music theory, including part-writing, harmonic analysis, and melodic harmonization applied to music of the common practice period (1600-1900).
• Film Music Lecture - Burton 200 - Prof Rick DeJonge 
  Professor DeJonge will walk us through the process of conceptualizing a film, showing how to identify the most effective approach to scoring it.
• Songwriting for the Industry Pro - Dean’s Suite - Prof John Thompson
  Students will explore concepts related to targeted songwriting through a combination of in-class lessons, special guests, and songwriting assignments. This class will focus on creativity with an ear toward the marketplace.
• Discover Your Sound: Meet the Instrumental Ensemble Directors! - McMeen 206 
  ~Featuring Ensemble Directors: Dr DePriest, Dr Matthews, Prof Yeh, Prof Reed
  Curious about what it’s like to be part of the Wind Ensemble, Pep band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, or any other ensemble? Come join us for a special session where all of our ensemble directors will be in one place to give you the inside scoop on what each group is all about!
  Learn about all the performance opportunities available! 
  Hear directly from the directors about what makes each group unique!
  Ask questions and find the right fit for YOU!
  Get inspired by what’s possible when you join an ensemble!

11:00a - Classes

• Intro to Theory - McMeen 142 - Dr Ronda DePriest 
  Designed for those with little or no previous training in music theory, this class provides content and practice in pitch and rhythmic notation, aural skills, scales and keys, intervals, triads, and principles of musical form. Students will use basic elements of common chord notation systems, including Roman numerals, lead sheet symbols, and Nashville Numbers.
• History of Church Music - Burton 200 - Dr Randy Gill 
  A study of the history of music in the church with emphasis on the cultural backgrounds and practice of music in the Bible, the impact of the Reformation, and recent trends within American church music.
• Voice Area Masterclass - Dean’s Suite - Dr Susan Shirel 
  Singers of all genres are welcome! Come experience mini voice lessons led by our amazing voice faculty. If you are interested in participating as a singer add this session to your schedule and email Dr. Susan E. Shirel (seshirel [at] lipscomb.edu) and bring at least 2 copies of a prepared song. A collaborative pianist and a Bluetooth speaker will be available for accompaniment.

12:00pm - Lunch - w/ Current SOM Students & SOM Faculty in the Cafeteria

Lunch with Current School of Music Students and School of Music Faculty in the Cafeteria.

Audition Rehearsal Times: Small practice rooms with upright Steinway pianos will be available

to reserve from 12-3p. A sign-up sheet will be sent out once you are given your audition time.
 

1:00p  - Auditions & Classes

• Songwriting Fundamentals - CoHo 102 - Prof Don Chaffer
  Focuses on the defining a common language for the form of songwriting. What is a verse? A chorus? A bridge? Students learn to discuss and analyze songform with an aim toward writing songs, including the emotional and narrative implications of how songs unfold.
• Songwriters in the Round and Student Performance - Ward Hall 
  Dive into a live music experience with our fantastic student songwriters and other student performers as they share their talents with you. Be inspired as you hear original songs and other pieces that have seen many hours of creation and practice!
• School of Music Audition Times - Seniors and Transfers only

2:00p - Classes 

• Wind ensemble - McMeen 206 - Dr Matthews and Dr DePriest 
  Come be a part of our dynamic Wind Ensemble! You’ll sit in on a live rehearsal, play alongside current students, and get a behind-the-scenes look at our music program, facilities, and community. Bring your instrument, join in on some fun music, and experience what it’s like to be a music student for a day!
• Sanctuary - Ezell 241  - Dr Randy Gill 
  Come listen and sing along with members of Sanctuary, our auditioned small praise and worship ensemble.
• Aural Skills II - McMeen 142 - Prof Simon Yeh
  Training  the musician’s ear is vital to success as a musician. Come and learn the ins and outs of how aural skills will help you as an artist, educator, performer, and overall listener. We promise it is more than do-re-mi and clapping rhythms. This class blends together both the musical experience and dictation with a goal of excellence.
   

3:00p - Classes, Auditions, and Sessions

• Music Lit - Burton 155 - Dr Donna King 
  Survey of the Western musical tradition, including sacred, classical, and popular works. In addition to a study of chronology and styles, attention is given to developing skills for listening to, speaking about, and writing about music.
• Q & A Panel and Hangout w/ Current Students at the Pavilion
  Step outside for some fresh air and an opportunity to hear directly from students all across our degree plans! This is an informal Q&A session where you can hear first hand accounts from our amazing music majors - bring your burning questions!
• School of Music Audition Times - Seniors and Transfers only
   

4:00p-4:30p Meet with Individual Faculty - McMeen 206

• Matt Taylor (Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Music Ed)
• Ronda DePriest (Director of Athletic Bands and Instrumental Music Ed)
• Wendy Matthews  (Director, Audition Process & Scholarship Questions)
• Donna King (Music History and Music Theory)
• Jerry Reed (Piano Performance)
• Brown Bannister (Commercial Music, Production and Songwriting)
• Don Chaffer (Commercial Music, Songwriting) 
• John Thompson (Music Industry Studies)
• Susan Shirel (Director of Vocal Studies)
• Randy Gill (Director of Worship Arts)

5:00p Wind Ensemble, Chamber Strings, Jazz Band, & Choir Concert - Collins Auditorium

 Join us for an exciting musical event featuring the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Strings, Jazz Band, and Choir in a one-of-a-kind collaborative concert! Enjoy a variety of fun, high-energy pieces that blend genres and showcase the talent of our amazing student musicians. It’s an hour of harmony, rhythm, and creativity you won’t want to miss!
Immersion day students and parents alike are invited to experience the epic conclusion to this thrilling day in the School of Music!

Registration is LIVE! Use this link to register for Immersion Day!

Each student must register in order to participate in the Lipscomb School of Music Immersion Day. 

A map of the university can be found here.

Visitor Parking will be limited. More information will be sent after registration is complete.

Seniors and Transfers who are interested in auditioning for the School of Music at Lipscomb University will have the opportunity to audition live with our faculty on Immersion Day!

• For this one day, we are waiving the pre-screening requirement for our Immersion Day student participants.
• Please review the Audition Guidelines page for more information on what to prepare for your live audition.
• The School of Music will be assigning your 15 minute audition time during the day based on area of interest. You may be pulled out of either your 1:00p or 3:00p class choice to accommodate this audition.
• Students are highly encouraged to apply to the School of Music before your audition on October 6th in order to receive a timely decision.
• Practice rooms will be available in the afternoon for students who are auditioning on Immersion Day. An email will be sent out confirming you audition time and access to a sign up sheet.
• If you are in need of an accompanist to play with you during you audition, you must select that option as part of your registration. Our Accompanist Coordinator will be in contact to confirm the details.

Any questions can be directed to music [at] lipscomb.edu (music[at]lipscomb[dot]edu)