School of Music

The Donald and Frances Winters School of Music at William Carey University prepares students for leadership roles in music.

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Meet the Dean

Degree Programs

Faculty and Staff

Called to worship.

Study at The Donald and Frances Winters School of Music is designed to blend faith and learning for real‑world applications. Students are challenged to grow in their talent, mature in their spiritual walk, and prepare for a meaningful musical career, so they may fully discover God’s plan and purpose for their life.

The School of Music Vision Statement is One Goal - One Passion taken from Philippians 4:8. Our One Goal is Excellence through education and performance, and our One Passion is Jesus in worship and in service. We hope you will decide to be a part of what God is doing in the Winters School of Music!

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One Goal.
One Passion.

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William Carey University is an All-Steinway School, the first in Mississippi. The Winters School of Music is committed to providing students with the best possible pianos available for the study and performance of music. All music students are affected by the quality of the pianos. Steinways enhance the creative potential in each student and in each collaboration.

Meet the Dean

Dr. Wes Dykes

Dykes joined the Carey faculty in March 2012 as coordinator of the instrumental program, which includes several major performing groups and ensembles. He was successful in growing the program from 18 to 140 students in three years.

Dr. Dykes is originally from Pensacola, Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in music education/conducting from the University of South Carolina, and a DMA in conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi.

He has taught and served in schools and churches for more than 25 years. Every school and church he has served has experienced growth. Dr. Dykes is a member of National Association for Music Education, the
National Band Association, and the Metro Music Ministers Group. He also serves as the worship pastor of Hardy Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.

Dr. Dykes’ aim is to have as many students as possible to come to Carey, learn their craft, come to know the Lord or grow in Him, and then go out and change their world. His dream for the School of Music is that it would have one goal – excellence (in education and performance) and one passion – Jesus (in worship and service).

His wife, Michelle, is actively involved in all areas of music education and ministry. She teaches clarinet, voice, and other music classes at William Carey University.