• Twenty-five percent of WSU's music awards funding supports non-music majors in ensembles.
• Ensembles are open to all qualified students, including those not majoring or minoring in music.
• Build the foundation to inspire the next generation of music students through rigorous teacher preparation.
• Private lessons without additional fees are available in many studio areas.
• Achieve distinction as a soloist through competition and recording.
• Perform in a full complement of ensembles that tour within the state and throughout the world.
• Reach your highest artistic potential under a faculty of nationally and internationally recognized performers, published composers and arrangers, and dedicated teachers.

Music minors

Minors in music (a general course selection) or jazz studies (a more specific music minor) require about 22 credits and may be combined with any other major. See the WSU Catalog or speak with an advisor in the music department for more information on specific course requirements.

Majoring in music

Certification as a major in music requires completion of 24 semester hours, a cumulative GPA of 2.0, and completion of 10 hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a grade of C or better in the following courses:

Mus 151—Music Fundamentals I
Mus 152—Music Fundamentals II
Mus 161—Introduction to Critical Studies in Music
Mus 181—Class Piano I
Mus 182—Class Piano II
Mus 251—Materials and Structures of Music I
Mus 252—Applied Theory I
Mus 253—Materials and Structures of Music II
Mus 254—Applied Theory II
Mus 281—Class Piano III

Normal progress in all music degree curricula requires enrolling during the freshman year in 300-level performance studies. A performance audition (usually completed in the semester preceding enrollment at WSU) is required for enrolling into 300-level performance classes. Normal progress also assumes placement in 200-level music theory, for which tests will be administered as part of the performance audition.

Music education majors must meet additional requirements from the College of Education, including a 2.5 GPA and C or better in each course listed for the major, minor, and professional core, plus a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Bachelor of music

For a bachelor of music degree in music education, performance, or composition, two-thirds of course work is in the chosen specialization.

For a bachelor of music degree with elective studies in business, half of the course work is in music with a strong minor in the related field.

At least 40 hours in this degree must be 300- or 400-level courses.

Bachelor of arts in music

The bachelor of arts in music degree includes about one-third of course work in music and another one-third in a second major, two minors, or other combinations of course work outside music.

At least 42 hours in this degree must be 300- or 400-level courses.

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

For students in music

Scholarships are available for incoming students through two scholarship audition days held in the spring semester. Potential students attend one of these audition days for acceptance into the music program and to compete for scholarships. For information on dates and procedures, contact the School of Music.

Scholarships are also available to continuing students within the music program, based primarily upon achievements in the program. One-fourth of all music scholarship funds go to students not majoring in music.

All music majors also may apply for other scholarships. The College of Liberal Arts awards more than $50,000 in scholarships each year, and the University offers many other scholarships. You may also be eligible for state and federal student aid.

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and needed-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

Music facilities at Washington State University include:
• the 400- and 100-seat concert halls in Kimbrough Hall
• the 700-seat Bryan Auditorium, which houses a 47-rank Schanz organ
• the Recording Studio Complex
• rehearsal space for all sizes of ensembles
• the Kemble Stout Music Listening Library
• the Electronic Piano/Music Computer Lab

• Strong participation in high school bands, orchestras, choirs, or private studios
• Training or exposure to music theory concepts
• Keyboard skills (regardless of performance area)
• Previous lessons

Nearly 100 percent of WSU music graduates have obtained employment in their chosen fields or have been accepted into graduate programs. Many have positions throughout the nation and world in teaching, administration, the music industry, and performing.

The B.A. program is ideal for those who want to double major and for those seeking a non-music career. A degree program that joins music with business can lead to careers in the music business world. The B.A. in music is very popular for students intending to study law.