School of Music

The Salem School of Music focuses upon "educating the whole musician." The school offers a unique approach to music that combines entrepeneurship, technology and wellness to prepare graduates for further study, performance careers and/or community involvement in the arts.

Salem's personalized instruction means you leave the School of Music with a strong background in both theory and performance. Your portfolio will be a professional one that is unique to your own talents and career goals. Your advisors are mentors, coaches and outstanding teachers, giving you the tools you need for the world of music as well as an incredible network of contacts and support. 

The School of Music also provides cultural leadership and educational opportunities for Salem Academy and College and for Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. Through concerts, workshops, audience-building and general music education, the School of Music seeks to contribute to the cultural vitality of our region and to secure a healthy future for the study and performance of music.

Salem places a great deal of emphasis on learning outside the classroom, in real-world settings. Internships are an important part of that process. An internship offers you the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in class and to explore career possibilities. Internships in music may include studio teaching, Suzuki teaching, church music, or work with performing organizations. You will also be required to take a course in not-for-profit management in order to prepare you for the real-life challenges of competition.

The quality of a music degree is determined by what doors it opens for advanced study and career opportunities. When you graduate with a major or minor in music, you will be prepared to continue your music studies at the best graduate schools or go on to teach music in an educational setting; perform onstage; join orchestras or ensembles; and other career paths.