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Department of Music



The Department of Music is preparing student musicians for the 21st century.
We offer a broad range of music degrees, ensembles, community programs, and activities that exemplify musical diversity and the development of artistic excellence.


woman playing violin
Music
Major & Minor

Instrumental or Vocal 

This program can be combined with other fields of study. Available as a 36hr major, 48hrs major, or a minor.

Learn More  

singing woman
Performance
Major

Instrumental or Vocal

For careers as college professors, professional performers, and/or pursuing graduate level study.

Learn More 

man playing french horn
Music Education
Major

Instrumental, Vocal, or Integrated

For careers as K-12 public/private school teachers and/or ensemble conductor.

Learn More

Apply for Admisson to the Music Program

Apply Now

 

Apply to Western Kentucky University

Apply to WKU

For Incoming Freshman and Current Students

The Department of Music and PCAL offer many competitive scholarships, grants, and awards including Music Grants, Athletic Bands, Potter College Creative Arts Scholarship, Baker Scholarship Awards, Endowed Awards, and the Music Department Racial Equity Scholarship.

View Music Scholarships & Grants

 

Apply to the Music Program

Apply to WKU

 


 

The Department of Music also offers four graduate programs, including:

 

  • Conducting - Choral, Wind Band, or Orchestral 
  • Conducting - Teacher Leader in Choral, Wind Band, or Orchestral
  • Music Education - Teacher Leader
  • Pedagogy

 

Click here to learn more!

William Mason-Walker (c/o 25)

 

 

 

           Apply to WKU's Music Program Now!

 

 


Student Recital: Taylin Hamilton, clarinet
  • Location: FAC - FAC 0189
  • Time: 3:00pm
View Event
Faculty Recital: Honoring the WKU Sisterhood and Women Composers
  • Location: Recital Hall - Fine Arts Center room 189
  • Time: 7:00pm
View Event
Student Recital
  • Location: Fine Arts Center Room 189 - Recital Hall
  • Time: 11:30am
View Event
The Road Home: WKU Choirs in Concert
  • Location: Van Meter Hall
  • Time: 4:00pm
View Event

 

Event Calendar

 


The Department of Music offers more than 20 ensembles open to majors and non-majors.

Big Red Marching Band, Campus Community Band, Chamber Ensembles, Choral Society, Chorale, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band, Musicals, Redshirts, Opera Theatre, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Treble Chorus, Treblemakers, University Singers, Wind Ensemble, and many more...

 

 

 


The WKU Department of Music has a strong reputation for training students to be successful performers, educators, and artists. Graduates can be found teaching throughout the state of Kentucky as well as across the country including Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas.

Many graduates are performing as professional musicians in classical orchestras, service bands, opera companies, as soloists, in churches, and in popular media.

Our students have also gone on to highly acclaimed graduate schools.

Music Careers

 

music graduate

band clinic students


WKU Music offers three Honors Band Clinics. One for high school students, one for middle school/junior high students and a Jazz Honor Band. 

Information for the clinic will be sent through email in late October to all the Kentucky High School band directors and directors from in Indiana and Tennessee that have participated in the past.

Honors Band Audition and Clinic Info

Jazz Honor Band Info


Visit a university that is vibrant, exciting and progressive. Our department strives to engage music majors, minors, general students, community members, patrons, and audiences with a love and passion for creativity, expression, and performance through the fine art of making music.

The WKU music faculty believe that music is an essential part of life. They engage in superior solo and ensemble performances and are committed to taking students to the highest level of musicianship and citizenship. Our faculty have achieved national and international recognition for their accomplishments and share this expertise with their students, both in and out of the classroom or studio.

Schedule a Tour

Angela Cook

 

 

 


 

Instrumental Courses

 

A course for beginners. Scales and keyboard skills.


1 Credit Hr

Patterns for each meter, uses of the left hand, cueing posture, attacks, releases, terminology and score study.


3 Credit Hrs

 

Vocal Courses

 

Review of the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to the German and Italian languages using appropriate vocal literature.


1 Credit Hr

A required course for bachelor of music (B.M.) in performance majors which centers on teaching in their particular area of performance and provides a knowledge of basic repertoire.


3 Credit Hrs

 

 


Alumni Spotlight : Amy Spears
Alumni Spotlight
Featuring: Amy Spears
Alumni Spotlight: Michael Pekel
Alumni Spotlight
Featuring: Michael Pekel
Larnelle Harris
Wall of Fame Spotlight
Larnelle Harris-

 

 

NASM logo

Western Kentucky University is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1948.


 


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 Last Modified 5/9/24