Explore the Music degree program
Are you interested in writing music? Exploring music through composition, theory, and history can bring a deeper understanding. In the General Music degree program at Wayne State College, you’ll study everything that relates to music, from instruments and voice to history and composition. Learn from accomplished professors on campus to expand your musical abilities. You’ll also get to choose from a wide variety of performing groups on campus to enhance your musical education. By the time you graduate with your Music degree, you’ll be ready to start your career in music or move on to even more opportunities through graduate work.
Fast facts
Degree options:
- B.A. in Music/General Music
- Minor in Music
Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)
Program credit hours: 53
- Music core (15 credit hours)
- General Music concentration (38 credit hours)
Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
School: Arts and Humanities
Department: Music
Opportunities and outcomes
Music topics covered
- Music fundamentals, including pitch, rhythm, intervals, scales, keys, modes, triads, chords, and harmony
- Fundamentals of musical form, including cadences, phrases, and periods
- Sight singing and ear training
- Piano skills, including keyboard theory and technique, sight reading, harmonization improvisation, score reading, accompanying, and solo/ensemble repertoire
- Counterpoint and composition
- Structures of music, including variations, rondo, sonatas, and fugue
- Music techniques and styles throughout history
- Transposition, instrument ranges, performance capabilities
- Composition and recording software
Student learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced performance skills on an instrument and/or voice
- Demonstrate the ability to work conceptually with the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and structural elements of music
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of music literature, musical genres, and cultural sources
- Demonstrate proficiency in current music technology relevant to the field of study
Performance opportunities
As a music major, you will get the opportunity to perform solo or accompanied recitals as part of your music curriculum requirements – a great chance to show off the skills you have learned at Wayne State to an audience.
Instrumental music groups
Whether you are a music major or just want to play an instrument as an extracurricular activity, we've got a variety of bands and ensembles to entertain. Instrumental groups include Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Mariachi Band, Chamber Music, and Symphonic Band.
Learn more about instrumental music groups
Vocal music groups
If you love to sing, Wayne State offers several vocal performance opportunities throughout the year, including Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Lyrica Treble Choir, and Fortis Choir, where you'll sing for audiences and even compete in local and regional competitions.
Graduates of the General Music degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.
Jobs of recent graduates:
- K-12 Music Teacher – Fullerton Public Schools (Fullerton, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey
2024-25 Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
cost per credit hour
Tuition: $5,880
Fees: $2,290.50
Food plan: $4,690
Housing: $4,730
Most Affordable College in Nebraska
- College Affordability Guide, 2024
Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.
General Music degree program courses
Students must complete the music core courses and general music emphasis courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
Music core
credits
General Music
emphasis credits
Total program
credits
Music core courses (15 credits)
Credits: 3
Description: Fundamentals of pitch and rhythmic notation, intervals, scales, keys, modes, triads and seventh chords. Introduction to figured bass, popular chord symbols, and voice leading. Part-writing of diatonic triads in root position and first inversion. Analysis of non-harmonic tones.
Credits: 3
Description: Part-writing of triads and seventh chords in root position and all inversions. Fundamentals of musical form, including cadences, phrases, and periods. Secondary dominant and leading-tone chords. Common chord modulation to closely related keys.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 101 Music Theory I
Credits: 1
Description: Fundamentals of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week.
Credits: 1
Description: An introduction to music technology including composition and recording software, as well as computer assisted instruction. 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 101 Music Theory I
Credits: 3
Description: Music of the Classical period through contemporary. Romanticism, Nationalism, Impressionism, Modernism, and postmodern musical techniques and styles. Analysis of the music of the most influential composers.
Credits: Total of 4 (2 credits for one 50-minute lesson per week; 1 credit for one 30-minute lesson per week)
Description: Choose from: voice, keyboard, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, string bass, percussion, and guitar. For 50-minute lessons, two hours daily practice and participation in department recitals are required. For 30-minute lessons, one hour daily practice is required.
Corequisite: MUS 130 Recital Attendance
General music emphasis (38 credit hours)
Credits: 1
Description: Continued study of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 104 Aural Skills I
Credits: 3
Description: Further practice with secondary chords. Harmonic sequences involving diatonic and secondary chords. Binary and ternary forms. Modal mixture, the Neapolitan, and augmented sixth chords. Introduction to chromatic modulation.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 102 Music Theory II
Credits: 3
Description: Modulation to foreign keys using chromatic pivot chords, including enharmonic modulation. Ninth, eleventh, thirteenth chords, altered dominants, chromatic mediants, and common-tone diminished sevenths. Introduction to 20th century harmonic practices.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 201 Music Theory III
Credits: 1
Description: Continued study of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 105 Aural Skills II
Credits: 1
Description: Continued study of sight singing and ear training. Includes computer-assisted learning. 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 204 Aural Skills III
Credits: 1
Description: Fundamental techniques of the physical movement of conducting and its process, including beat patterns, transposition and score reading. 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 Music Theory I
Credits: 1
Description: Development of functional piano skills for non-pianists. Emphasis on keyboard theory and technique, sight reading, harmonization, improvisation, score reading, accompanying, and solo/ensemble repertoire. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 1
Description: Continued development of the skills begun in MUS 280. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 280 Class in Piano I or consent of instructor.
Credits: 2
Description: Species counterpoint, invertible counterpoint, imitative procedures, and canonic writing in 18th century style. Composition of short pieces. Emphasis on two- and three-part forms.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 202 Music Theory IV
Credits: 2
Description: Study of large-scale formal structures in music, including variations, rondo, sonata form, sonata-rondo, and fugue. Analysis of selected works from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 202 Music Theory IV
Credits: 2
Description: General considerations of instrument ranges, transposition, and performance capabilities. Characteristics of standard orchestration as applied to transcribing and arranging for various ensembles.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 202 Music Theory IV
dits: 1
Description: Continued development of the skills begun in MUS 281. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 281 Class in Piano II or consent of instructor
Credits: 1
Description: Continued development of the skills begun in MUS 380. 2 hours per week. Class fee of $10 required.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MUS 380 Class in Piano III or consent of instructor
Credits: 3
Description: Music of ancient Greece and Rome, world music traditions, and Western music from the Middle Ages through the Baroque. Analysis of musical types and influential composers in each era.
Credits: 3
Description: Focused study in an area of musical interest that incorporates knowledge and skills developed in previous course of the General Music curriculum. Title of the project will be entered on the permanent record.
Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor and department chair
Ensemble participation must total 7 credits from the following:
- MUS 133 Fortis Choir (1 credit) – Choir for tenor and bass voices, open to all students, regardless of major, without audition. To participate, one’s full voice must lie naturally in the tenor and bass ranges. Objectives of the ensemble include, but are not limited to, 1) healthy vocal technique, 2) tonal memory and audiation (hearing) skills, 3) music reading skills, and 4) a sense of community within a positive social climate. The choir performs music of many cultures and times, sometimes ranging from medieval to modern.
- MUS 140 Lyrica Treble Choir (1 credit) – Lyrica Treble Choir is open to students regardless of major, without audition. To participate, one’s full voice must lie naturally in the treble clef. Objectives of the ensemble include, but are not limited to, 1) healthy vocal technique, 2) tonal memory and audiation (hearing) skills, 3) music reading skills, and 4) a sense of community within a positive social climate. The choir performs music of many cultures and times, sometimes ranging from medieval to modern.
- MUS 141 Choir (1 credit) – Primary vocal ensemble of the music department. Rehearses and performs choral literature from all periods of history, and studies tone production, balance, blend, interpretation, and other principles of choral training. Public concerts will be given. Open to all students by audition.
- MUS 142 Marching Band / Wind Ensemble (1 credit) –Rehearses and performs standard and contemporary wind literature. The Marching Band is open to any WSC student and performs at athletic events and concerts. The Wind Ensemble commences after football season and requires an audition for admission.
- MUS 149 Symphonic Band (0.5 credit) – Rehearses and performs a variety of wind literature. Open to all WSC students.
- MUS 441 Choir (1 credit) – Primary vocal ensemble of the music department. Rehearses and performs choral literature from all periods of history, and studies tone production, balance, blend, interpretation, and other principles of choral training. Public concerts will be given. Carries the expectation of additional responsibilities. Open to all qualified students by audition. Prerequisite: A total of four completed semesters of MUS 141 required to enroll.
- MUS 442 Marching Band / Wind Ensemble (1 credit) – Rehearses and performs standard and contemporary wind literature. The upper-division Marching Band is open to any qualified WSC student and performs at athletic events and concerts. Carries the expectation of additional responsibilities. The Wind Ensemble commences after football season and requires an audition for admission. Prerequisite: A total of four completed semesters of MUS 142 Marching Band / Wind Ensemble or MUS 149 Symphonic Band required to enroll.
- MUS 133 Fortis Choir (1 credit) – Choir for tenor and bass voices, open to all students, regardless of major, without audition. To participate, one’s full voice must lie naturally in the tenor and bass ranges. Objectives of the ensemble include, but are not limited to, 1) healthy vocal technique, 2) tonal memory and audiation (hearing) skills, 3) music reading skills, and 4) a sense of community within a positive social climate. The choir performs music of many cultures and times, sometimes ranging from medieval to modern.
Credits: Total of 1 (2 credits for one 50-minute lesson per week; 1 credit for one 30-minute lesson per week)
Description: Choose from: voice, keyboard, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, string bass, percussion, and guitar. For 50-minute lessons, two hours daily practice and participation in department recitals are required. For 30-minute lessons, one hour daily practice is required.
Corequisite: MUS 130 Recital Attendance
Choose one from the following:
- MUS 306 Choral Conducting and Materials (2 credits) – Techniques and practical applications of conducting and rehearsing vocal ensembles, including rehearsal management, tone production, diction, and musical interpretation. Includes survey of materials for the school choir. Additional time may be required for students to rehearse a large choral ensemble. Prerequisite: MUS 208 Fundamentals of Conducting.
- MUS 307 Instrumental Conducting and Materials (2 credits) – Techniques and practical applications of conducting and rehearsing instrumental ensembles. Includes significant experience in literature, score studying, rehearsal techniques, transposition, and interpretation. Additional time will be required for students to rehearse a large instrumental ensemble. Prerequisite: MUS 208 Fundamentals of Conducting. Corequisite: MUS 149 Symphonic Band.
- MUS 306 Choral Conducting and Materials (2 credits) – Techniques and practical applications of conducting and rehearsing vocal ensembles, including rehearsal management, tone production, diction, and musical interpretation. Includes survey of materials for the school choir. Additional time may be required for students to rehearse a large choral ensemble. Prerequisite: MUS 208 Fundamentals of Conducting.
Credits: 1
Choose one MUS course, level 300 or above. Cannot be ensembles. View the course catalog for a complete list of MUS courses.
*Students who test out of any of the Class in Piano sequence will fill those hours with electives by advisement (not ensembles).
Popular pairings
Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study, or to focus their studies on specific topic. Suggested pairings include:
- Business Administration (minor)
- Digital Film Production (major or minor)
- Electronic Media (major or minor)
- Spanish (major or minor)
Related programs
Students interested in General Music studies may also be interested in:
Music Education (B.A. or B.S.)
Music Industry (B.A. or B.S.)
Music Performance (B.A. or B.S.)

Transfer to Wayne State
Our generous transfer credit policy will allow you to get credit for what you've already earned.
- If you've taken courses at other institutions, you can transfer those credits to Wayne State.
- Already have an associate degree? Seamlessly transfer your full degree through one of our transfer pathways.
- Military or veteran student? You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Music Department faculty

Matthew Armstrong, DMA
Associate Professor
Dr. Matthew Armstrong is a music professor at Wayne State College. He is the director of choral activities and leads the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Lyrica (Soprano/Alto) and Fortis (Tenor/Bass) Choirs. Additionally, he teaches courses in conducting, choral literature, and music education.

Shelly Armstrong, MME
Accompanist
Shelly Marshall Armstrong is the collaborative pianist at Wayne State. She accompanies choirs, classes, and student juries and recitals, as well as WSC faculty and guest recitals.

Joshua Calkin, DMA
Professor
Dr. Josh Calkin is a music professor and director of bands at Wayne State College. His duties include directing the Wildcat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble, and Mariachi Oro y Negro. He also teaches all applied low brass and low brass methods, world music, and instrumental conducting.

Matthew Clegg, DMA
Lecturer
Dr. Matthew Clegg teaches in the Department of Music at Wayne State College. He is an experienced voice teacher and active performer.

Melissa Derechailo, DMA
Instructor
Dr. Melissa Derechailo teaches horn, music history, music theatre history, and music industry in the Music Department at Wayne State College. She also serves as the theatre manager for the Ley and Ramsey theatres.

Sarah Farr, DMA
Associate Professor
Dr. Sarah Farr is a music professor and teaches voice classes at Wayne State College. Farr's academic interest is exploring the intersection of literature and opera, particularly in contemporary operatic compositions.

Michael Genslinger, MME
Instructor
Michael Genslinger teaches in the Music Department at Wayne State College. In addition to serving as the assistant director of bands, he teaches Music Education courses and Applied Trumpet.

Matthew Haakenson, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Matthew Haakenson is a music professor and teaches music theory and aural skills at Wayne State.

Karl Kolbeck, DMA
Professor
Dr. Karl Kolbeck is a music professor at Wayne State College, specializing in woodwinds. His academic interests include applied lessons in oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon; woodwind courses, music history and literature, instrument repair, and directing various ensembles.

Angela Miller-Niles, DMA
Associate Professor
Dr. Angela Miller-Niles is a music professor and the Music Department chair at Wayne State College. She teaches applied piano lessons, class in piano, music technology and piano pedagogy.
Get in touch
Department of Music
Peterson Fine Arts Building, Room 109
Phone: 402-375-7359
Clubs and activities for music
Chamber Choir - A choral ensemble that performs Medieval and Renaissance music
Chamber Music - Choose from a variety of ensembles
Concert Choir - An auditioned ensemble performing varied musical styles
Jazz Ensemble - A select group of instrumentalists who perform jazz music
Kappa Kappa Psi - National honor society for college band members
Lyrica Treble Choir - A choir of students whose voices naturally lie in the treble clef
Marching Band - The official marching band of Wayne State College
Mariachi Negro y Oro - A musical group featuring traditional Mexican music
Symphonic Band - A WSC wind band
Ukulele Club - Brings people together through music
Wind Ensemble - WSC's premiere concert band

Accreditation and Rankings
Recognized for excellence
Accredited by NASM
WSC’s Music Degree programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and recognized as high quality music programs.

A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.

A Top Public College in the Midwest
WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.

Where you'll learnDepartment facilities

Peterson Fine Arts
Peterson Fine Arts is home to the Music Department and performing arts at Wayne State.

Theatres at WSC
Wayne State College offers three different venues for performances.
Your next steps
