You have the opportunity to join a wide range of performance groups, from small ensembles to the Cougar Marching Band. Some examples:

Concert Choir
University Singers
Vocal Ensembles
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Ensembles
Symphonic Band
Wind Symphony
Jazz Lab Band
VoJazz Ensemble
Jazz Combos
Accompanying
Opera Workshop
Marching Band

Many performing groups (but not all) require auditions to join. Performance groups are one credit-hour classes.

As a music performance major, you'll learn directly from professors who are professional musicians in their own right and dedicated teachers.

Among the instruments taught at WSU:

Piano
Voice
Organ
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone
Tuba
Percussion
Violin
Viola
Cello
Contrabass
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone

Music facilities at Washington State University include:

• 400- and 100-seat concert halls in Kimbrough Hall
• The 700-seat Bryan Hall Theatre, which houses a 47-rank Schanz organ
• The Recording Studio Complex
• Rehearsal space for all sizes of ensembles
• The Kemble Stout Music Listening Library
• Electronic Piano/Music Computer Lab

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

For all students at WSU

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.

To get all the financial help WSU can provide, you'll need to do these two things:

• Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration, including departmental awards.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. Get started here.

Click here for more info about about WSU scholarships and financial aid

For music students

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

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

The College of Arts and Sciences awards more than $50,000 in scholarships each year. For more information, see the CAS scholarships page.

If you enjoy playing music and being part of musical groups, you can continue in college (even if you aren't majoring in music).

• Prepare for college-level music with strong participation in high school bands, orchestras, choirs, or private studios.

It's a good idea to have additional preparation, especially if you're planning to major in music. If you can, prepare yourself through:

• Training or exposure to music theory concepts
• Keyboard skills (regardless of performance area)
• Lessons in at least one instrument or performance area

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.