Preparing students for careers in music, including performance, industry, and education.

Department of Music

Peterson Fine Arts Renovation
The renovation of the Peterson Fine Arts building, home of the Music Department, is underway. The renovation will provide updated facilities that match the excellence of our programs and set the stage for future generations of student musicians.
About the Department
We foster the development of musical talent and prepare you for careers in the music industry or music education. Wayne State provides a rich musical experience for all students and contributes to the musical life of the community and state, as well as the college. Whether you are pursuing a music degree program or want to take part in music as an extracurricular activity, you have a variety of musical selections to choose from: marching band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, jazz band, and other smaller ensembles, as well as Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Lyrica Teble Choir, and Fortis Choir.
In addition to so many chances for musical involvement, Wayne State has several excellent facilities used for performances. The beautiful Peterson Fine Arts Building is home to the Lied Performing Arts Center and Ramsey Theatre, which seats nearly 700 spectators and helps performers gain a better understanding of the necessary scale of projection required to fill a large house. Peterson also houses numerous classrooms and practice rooms for the variety of musical groups or if you need a quiet space to practice your instrument or vocal talent. Ley Theatre in the Brandenburg Education Building lends a classic atmosphere to productions and seats just over 300, a perfect venue for faculty and student recitals, and other smaller performances.
We are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Music Events
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Dec
1Jazz Band
Featuring the WSC Jazz Band. -
Dec
2Cocoa and Carols
Join us for cocoa and carols in the Peterson Fine Arts Band Room. Ticket sales are open through Dec. 2. -
Dec
3Choir Dinner Concert
Join us for an evening concert with dinner in the Peterson Fine Arts Band Room. Note: The deadline to purchase tickets has passed. -
Dec
4Brass and Percussion Ensembles
Enjoy a night of music by the WSC brass and percussion ensembles. -
Dec
5Student Conductors Concert with Band Performances
Enjoy a night of music! Includes the Symphonic Band.

“The music faculty are so extremely talented, and they have faculty recitals, so we get to see their talent, which is amazing. I just love being able to have the chance to perform myself. We have student recitals every week, which gives students a chance to perform. I love going to concerts here because they're just beautiful, every one.”
Rebecca Bonsall
Minor: Music
Hometown: Norfolk, Neb.
Music Degree Programs
Choose from our music department majors, or enhance your education by adding on a second major or minor. Explore your options here.
Program Name | Bachelor's | Pre-Professional or Affiliate | Master's | Minor | Education Field Endorsement | Education Subject Endorsement | Supplemental Endorsement |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interdisciplinary Studies | Explore | Explore | Explore | ||||
Music (General Studies) | Explore | Explore | |||||
Music Education - Master's Degree Option (MSE) Partially Online | Explore | ||||||
Music Education - Vocal (PK-12) | Explore | ||||||
Music Education - Vocal and Instrumental (PK-12) | Explore | ||||||
Music Industry | Explore | ||||||
Music Performance | Explore |
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in our music degree programs by participating in clubs, organizations, performing groups, music festivals, and more.

Clubs and Organizations
- National Association for Music Education (NAfME) - a collegiate chapter of the national organization, which provides opportunities for professional preparation and networking through conferences, guest speakers, and service/social functions
- Kappa Kappa Psi – an honorary band fraternity that provides service to the band program and the Department of Music

Music Festivals

Performing Groups
Wayne State offers a variety of music performance opportunities throughout the year. Vocal performance groups include Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Lyrica Treble Choir, and Fortis Choir. Instrumental groups include the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Mariachi, and small chamber ensembles.

Internships/Clinicals
At WSC, you’ll get the opportunity to perform recitals and other various performances to build your portfolio and gain experience in this field of study. If you’re an education major, you’ll need to complete clinical practice (student teaching). Career Services is also available to help you find internship opportunities.
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in our music degree programs.
Music Scholarships
In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships for music students.