Music Programs

The department is committed to providing music degree programs that foster creativity, skill development, critical thinking, independent learning and understanding of and respect for multiple perspectives.

For students majoring in other fields, the department offers a program leading to a minor as well as a variety of courses and activities for the general student.

WSU is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

View current course descriptions offered through the Music Department.

WSU's Music Department offers five majors and two minors.

B.S. Major in Music (Education) - Emphasis in Vocal Music

The B.S. in Music (Education) - Emphasis in Vocal Music prepares the student for a Minnesota K-12 Teaching License in Music with a Vocal Emphasis. This licensure allows graduates of the program to obtain a teaching position in either choral music or classroom music at all levels, kindergarten through high school.

Course requirements, along with core music classes, include music teaching methods and a series of courses offered by the education department, including student teaching at both elementary and secondary levels.

Due to the stringent requirements of the state's licensure program and the need for developing skills and knowledge in both music and education, the credit requirements for this degree are higher than other programs and students usually student teach in their fifth year of study.

• Major Map (PDF)

B.S. Major in Music (Education) - Emphasis in Instrumental Music

The B.S. in Music (Education) - Instrumental Music Emphasis prepares the student for a Minnesota K-12 Teaching License in Music with an Instrumental Emphasis. This licensure allows graduates of the program to obtain a teaching position in band, orchestra or classroom music at all levels, kindergarten through high school.

Course requirements, along with core music classes, include music teaching methods and a series of courses offered by the education department, including student teaching at both elementary and secondary levels.

Due to the stringent requirements of the state's licensure program and the need for developing skills and knowledge in both music and education, the credit requirements for this degree are higher than other programs and students usually student teach in their fifth year of study.

• Major Map (PDF)

B.S. Major in Music (Business)

The B.S. in Music (Business) is designed to provide the student with strong background in music, a knowledge of business principles and a broad understanding of music business including a focus on arts administration. Music courses include a core music curriculum, with studio lessons, ensemble and an individualized independent study and internship.

Other coursework includes the areas of music business, arts administration, accounting, economics, finance and marketing. Students may use this degree program to prepare for entry into professions in business or industry serving or related to the field of music.

Please refer to the Music Business program website for more information. Students who have an interest in the business side of the arts may also benefit from learning about WSU’s Arts Administration program.

B.Mus. Major in Music (Performance)

The B.Mus. in Music (Performance) focuses on increasing and refining the student's technical and artistic skills in their main performing medium within a comprehensive, in-depth education in the field of music. Students in vocal or instrumental performance are required to take four full years of studio lessons and present both a junior (half) and senior (full) recital.

Students graduating with a music performance degree may choose to pursue careers as performing musicians and/or continue their education with graduate studies in their major performance medium.

• Major Map (Instrumental)
• Major Map (Vocal)
• Major Map (Piano)

B.A. Major in Music (Liberal Arts)

The B.A. in Music (Liberal Arts) provides a degree with an emphasis in music in the context of a liberal arts education. This degree program requires either an outside minor or a double major (for example, Music and English) to focus the remaining credits necessary for graduation on an area of particular interest in another discipline.

Students may use this degree to prepare for graduate work in non-performing areas of music study such as theory, musicology, ethnomusicology, music therapy or other specialized interests.

• Major Map (Instrumental)
• Major Map (Vocal)
• Major Map (Piano)

Minors

• The B.A. Minor in Music is designed for the student who is majoring in a non-music academic area, but who is still interested in developing their performing abilities while furthering their knowledge of music in general.

  This degree offers a solid foundation in music theory and world music, while also allowing students to explore elective courses in their area of interest. Studio lessons and participation in a large ensemble round out this very accessible degree plan, making it a very popular option for students pursuing a wide variety of majors at WSU.

• The B.S. Minor in Music at WSU is specifically designed to balance skill development with practical teaching methods and is a very popular option for students majoring in Elementary Education. This degree offers a strong grounding in music theory, music education and general musicianship. You may choose a track which suits your own musical background, or you may choose to expand upon a secondary area of interest.

  Equipped with this degree, the elementary classroom teacher will be prepared to apply their own musicianship to build community, motivate students and integrate music with other disciplinary areas. In addition to advancing your skills as a creative teacher, you will also become a part of the musical community at WSU!