The music program at the University of Tampa offers music studies in contemporary instrumental performance including electric guitar, keyboard, electric bass, drum set and live technology (laptop, controller, etc.). Prospective music students can audition on these instruments for music scholarship consideration or admission to the music program. Prospective music students should review the audition Information and requirements for their preferred degree and instrument, before auditioning. Additionally, students in any major may enroll in contemporary studio lessons (weekly private lessons) for elective credit while simultaneously enrolling in a music ensemble.
Contemporary music students take weekly private lessons with our widely experienced faculty, who are active professionals and dedicated teachers. To enhance their studies and build confidence as performers, students participate in a range of creative, contemporary music ensembles that we offer in popular music, jazz, world music, music technology and improvisation, including:
- MIX Lab (creative improvisation in different musical styles; music genre mashup; composition)
- Interactive Arts Ensemble (experimental, live technology ensemble)
- Studio Production Ensemble (recording studio production in different genres)
- Jazz Ensemble (traditional big band/flex jazz ensemble playing different styles of jazz)
- Jazz Combo (breakout groups for developing jazz improv skills)
- World Drumming Ensemble (African and Latin American hand drumming techniques)
Contemporary music students at the University of Tampa often perform professionally, collaborate with each other, and have successfully released their work as independent singer-songwriters, instrumentalists, composers and freelance producers on various streaming platforms. Some examples of current, contemporary music students and recent alumni who are in the early stages of their music careers include: Isabella Diaz, Jack Dunning, Dallas Clark and Kayli Marie.
