Music at Winona State University

The Department of Music at Winona State University is an active and vital part of campus life and the community.  Our philosophy is that all students should be able to enrich their lives through music whether preparing for a career in music with a major, enhancing a professional degree or liberal arts education with a minor in music, playing or singing in a performing ensemble for enrichment and enjoyment, or simply attending some of our numerous concerts and recitals. Whatever level of participation students desire, they are welcome in our program.

Our primary goal in the Department of Music is to teach music. As experienced educators and professional musicians, we know that being active in our profession through performing, presenting workshops, composing, researching and writing, and participating in professional organizations makes us better able to guide and advise our students.  We also know that each student involved in music at WSU deserves our individual attention and best efforts to allow them to achieve the level of musicianship they require in the profession or to enrich their lives through music beyond graduation.
 

What Our Students Say about Music at WSU

The faculty is simply amazing. They are always able and willing to make extra time outside of lessons and classes to offer extra help when needed. In the Department of Music at WSU, you have a name and purpose. If you know your ambition, talent and passion for what you do, the department will be your guide from your first semester to your last and beyond.
Marie Lang, Senior, Flute Performance Major

There are many dedicated students and professors who work hard to provide a wide variety of musical and educational experiences. The department has high standards and strives to provide the highest-quality education.
Jamie Jirele, Senior, Music Education Major (Vocal Emphasis)

All the teachers are excellent and I am blown away every time I get to hear them perform. The classes are small so everyone gets plenty of attention, which is awesome.
Brendan Horn, Sophomore, Music Education Major (Vocal Emphasis)

You get personal attention from your professors.  There are many different ensembles to choose from.  Classes can be challenging but professors make it fun and are easy to talk to.
Camie Schneider, Senior, Music Education Major (Vocal Emphasis)

Being involved in WSU Music is a very “notable, dynamic” experience!  In just my first semester I was able to become involved in concert band, a chamber ensemble, orchestra and an a cappella singing group . . . more opportunities than I could have imagined! You can be involved in whatever capacity you want and the music faculty does its best to work with scheduling conflicts, as it is obvious they want all students to reach their full potential!
Jill Staudt, Music Minor Entering Fall 2004 

Laurel Ogren, Graduate (2005), Music Performance Major (Cello)

They [music faculty] challenge you and let you be yourself
Lisa Niedzielko, Senior, Music Education Major (Instrumental Emphasis)

The music department gives a comfortable feel to a big university by allowing you to get to know professors.  They make you feel really important and show that they truly care about you.
Katrina Whealdon, First Year, Music Education Major (Instrumental Emphasis)

There is a place for you here.  If you want to perform, teach, or just learn there are performing ensembles, theory classes and specialty classes like jazz and rock and roll.  You don't have to major or minor in music, you just have to love/enjoy it.
Maggie Bambenek, Sophomore, Music Minor

[...] I've learned a lot since coming to school a year and a half ago.  I like the broad curriculum for the music majors, it's more than just learning to play your instrument better.
Daniel Thompson, Sophomore, Music Business Major

As they say, « Music gives flight to the imagination and wings to the soul. »  Winona State Department of Music does more than that; with the help of the dedicated faculty here at WSU, music captures your heart.
Amanda Berg, Junior, Music Education Major (Instrumental Emphasis)

The professors honestly care about your future and your learning experience at WSU. Having support like that gives me the motivation to work hard and the ability to see success in my future.
Courtney Latek, Senior, Music Liberal Arts Major