Music FAQs

WKU students can major or minor in music, participate in diverse performance opportunities, and/or take classes in music. Majoring or minoring requires an entrance audition and is for students intending to pursue a career in music. Performance ensembles are generally open to all WKU students and can be taken for credit. Many music courses (including Music History, Blues Music, World Music, and Rock & Roll) are also options in the Colonnade Core Curriculum. In addition, the department presents over 100 concerts, recitals, and special events each academic year - many of these performances are free and open to the public.

• Bachelor of Music Education (130-135hrs): A professional music degree that leads to state public school teaching certification and prepares students for careers as educators, studio teachers, or continued study at the graduate level.
• Bachelor of Music Performance (120-122hrs): A professional music degree that prepares students for careers in performance, studio teaching, or continued study at the graduate level. 
• Bachelor of Arts in Music (120hrs): A liberal arts education in music that can be combined with other fields of study such as: advertising, art, business, communications, English, foreign languages, history, journalism, marketing, philosophy, psychology, religion, and sciences.
• Minor in Music: A 24-hour music program for students with a secondary interest in music.

Absolutely! All of our performance ensembles are open to everyone on campus. Please contact the specific ensemble director for additional information.

Absolutely! Many of our traditional lecture based courses are part of the Colonnade Core Curriculum and are open to everyone on campus, including courses in Music History, Drama, Blues, and Rock & Roll. In addition, WKU offers beginning-level group music courses in piano, guitar, and voice.

Yes, the department of music has 30 practice rooms available on the 3^rd floor of the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center (FAC). Students in music courses, where practicing is required, have access to the rooms through a key box anytime FAC is open. Other students who would like to use a practice room are welcome during regular business hours.

Private lessons for university credit are reserved for music majors and minors as their degree programs require. Other WKU students are welcome to contact music faculty regarding private lessons as their interest and availability allows. WKU also offers beginning-level group music courses in piano, guitar, and voice.

Yes, the music department annually awards Music Grants to music majors based on musical and academic performance, departmental needs, and the student’s potential for success. The music department also offers financial assistance for students participating in the athletic bands and one-year named scholarship awards for students who demonstrate leadership and the highest level of musical/academic achievement. 

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. Students have also gone on to highly acclaimed graduate schools and conservatories including the Cincinnati Conservatory, Indiana University, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, the University of South Carolina, Baylor University, Northwestern University, and the University of North Texas. In addition, many graduates are performing as professional musicians in classical orchestras, service bands, opera companies, as soloists, in churches, and in popular media.