The University of Alabama School of Music, housed in the Frank Moody Music Building, is located in Tuscaloosa, 50 miles from Birmingham. At any given time, an average of 350 students is working toward undergraduate and graduate majors under the guidance of 35 faculty members. Majors can be found in all facets of music, including classical and jazz performance, theory, history, therapy, composition and education. The school has a 1,000-seat concert hall with a three-story pipe organ, research labs, 52 practice rooms, studios for electronic music production and a media center. In addition to working toward a degree, students can join one of the multiple vocal and instrumental school ensembles.
The Alabama School of Gospel Music, located at Snead State Community College in Boaz, was founded in 1986. It operates a two-week intensive training program each year in gospel craft and theory, culminating with a performance by the students and instructors. Six levels are offered depending on the age and experience level of the students, who focus on topics including ear training, sight reading, harmony and conducting. Special classes are available for those interested in song writing and choir direction. In addition to group classes, private lessons are available for voice, piano and guitar.
The University of North Alabama School of Music and Theater offers a professional degree in music education and liberal arts degrees in music performance and commercial music. Students have opportunities to perform in band, choral and orchestral ensembles, as well as in musical theater performances. In addition to an application to the university, students wishing to pursue a degree in the department of music must audition. Scholarships and awards are available every semester to students in various genres, include band, choral and orchestral performance.
The University of Montevallo's Department of Music was the first school in Alabama to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Eleven faculty members preside over an average undergraduate class of 85 students, as of 2011. A bachelor of music degree is offered in music education, piano performance, piano pedagogy, vocal performance and instrumental performance. A more general bachelor of arts in music is available as well, in addition to a minor in music. Graduate studies include a master of education in music education. Students have many opportunities not only to perform on campus in a band or ensemble, but also off campus as part of a group or as a soloist.