Department of Music

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

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, Mariachi, Chamber Choir, and Women's 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).

“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	Master's	Minor
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

EXPLORE ALL MAJORS

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 Teachers National Association (MTNA)

Music Festivals

Upcoming Events

Performing Groups

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

Learn More

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.

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.

Apply for Music Scholarships Apply for All Scholarships Tuition and Aid