School of Music News

UK Balinese Gamelan celebrates 10 years with “dueling gamelans” concert

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2026) — Two full gamelan ensembles, a stage full of shimmering bronze and a program of dance, drumming and marching music will fill Singletary Recital Hall on Sunday, Nov. 1, when the University of Kentucky Balinese Gamelan Langen Kerti marks its 10th anniversary. 

UK Bands present the world premiere of Spanish Dances II in back-to-back concerts

The University of Kentucky Bands will present two concerts on Sunday, October 18, at the Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The UK Wind Symphony presents “Spanish Dances II” beginning at 3 p.m. The program title comes from the world premiere of Luis Serrano Alarcón’s “Spanish Dances Book 2,” which will be featured in the concert, with the composer in residence.

Civil War-era song cycle ‘Rappahannock County’ launches UK Opera Theatre’s new season

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Opera Theatre will continue its “Telling America’s Stories” series with a powerful Civil War-era song cycle, “Rappahannock County,” opening the 2026-27 season Oct. 16-19 at the Lexington Opera House.

Twirlers and Sweetheart Majorette Twirling line are national champions

UK School of Music senior Dejah Watts advances to Metropolitan Opera Laffont National Finals

School of Music Celebrates Student Achievement at Annual McCracken Awards Ceremony as part of the Friends of Music Celebration Weekend

The University of Kentucky School of Music culminated its academic year with a Celebration Weekend at the Singletary Center for the Arts, bringing together two days of awards, performances, and recognition of student excellence.

UK alum Mary Joy Nelson sparks joy for the arts with local up-and-coming young artists

UK study: ‘Person-centered care’ improves lives of dementia residents, caregivers

For many Kentuckians with dementia, medical interventions may seem like the only choice, but a new University of Kentucky study shows that prioritizing joy and engagement through enrichment activities is vital for the health of both residents and the caregivers who support them.

The sound of science: UK researchers translate biology into music

For centuries composers have attempted to mimic the natural world in music.

Jason Dovel appointed president of the International Trumpet Guild

The University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts is pleased to announce that Dr. Jason Dovel, Professor of Trumpet in the UK School of Music, has been elected President of the International Trumpet Guild (ITG), the world’s largest organization dedicated to the trumpet.

Wildcat Marching Band debuts new uniforms

The Wildcat Marching Band debuted new uniforms at the September 6 home game at Kroger Field. The first uniform redesign since 2015 was brought to life by DeMoulin Bros.

Faculty help organize Equinox Jazz Festival New festival celebrates history, community, and collaboration as part of 250Lex

Music education student earns 3rd prize in international competition

Music education sophomore Ashley Sayre of Mount Washington, KY, earned third prize in the prestigious 2025 Leonard Falcone International Festival's Euphonium Student Competition this summer.

Donna Kwon: 2025-26 University Research Professor Q&A

From civil rights to concert halls: The African American spiritual legacy

Appointment of Dr. Ben Arnold as Director of the School of Music

Donna Kwon publishes works on K-Pop, Korean Drumming and Dance

Teaching workshop builds confidence in music education

Freshman music major earns Young Artist Award

UK composition student Angel Gómez Ramos awarded by San Francisco ARTZenter Institute