Music Performance Degree Program

Explore the Music Performance degree program

Do you dream of being a great vocal or instrumental performer one day? Make your dreams a reality, starting with the Music Performance degree program. You’ll learn from accomplished professors in the Department of Music 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.

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Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Music performance 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
Structures of music, including variations, rondo, sonatas, and fugue
Music techniques and styles throughout history
Music composition and recording software
Marketing and promotion for the arts

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.

Learn more about vocal music groups

Graduates of the Music Performance 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:

Music Teacher – Millard Public Schools (Omaha, Neb.)
Musician, Voice Instructor, and Performer – (Omaha, Neb.)
Vocal Performer and Music Instructor – Star City Strings (Lincoln, Neb.)

Recent grads of the Music Performance program are pursing the following advanced degrees:

DMA Performance (instrumental) – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M.M. Performance (instrumental) – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M.M. Performance (vocal) – University of Nebraska-Omaha

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

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.

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

Music Performance courses (42-43 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, 11th, 13th 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: 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 survey of solo vocal and choral literature. Emphasis given to major composers and standard repertoire together with influences from non-Western cultures.
Credits: 2
Description: A study of foreign language diction.
Credits: 1
Description: A practical course in learning the basics of jazz improvisation. Emphasis on jazz scales and chords, reading chord changes, and general concepts of improvisation with application on the student’s primary instrument.
Prerequisite: MUS 101 Music Theory I
Credits: 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: The study of techniques related to marketing and promoting the arts. This course will provide students with the tools to create a comprehensive marketing plan that makes use of the internet and social media as well as traditional marketing methods.
Prerequisite: MUS 304 Music Industry
Choose one of the following courses:
- MUS 423 Vocal Pedagogy (2 credits) - The study of teaching voice.
- MUS 424 Keyboard Pedagogy and Literature (2 credits) - The study of techniques and solo literature for keyboard instruments
- MUS 425 String Pedagogy and Literature (2 credits) - The study of teaching techniques and solo literature for string instruments.
- MUS 426 Brass Pedagogy and Literature (2 credits) - The study of teaching techniques and solo literature for brass instruments.
- MUS 427 Woodwind Pedagogy and Literature (2 credits) - The study of teaching techniques and solo literature for woodwind instruments.
Credits: 1
Description: The presentation of a 30-minute senior recital in a student’s primary performance area. The student will enroll for this class concurrently with 300 level private applied lessons during the term in which the senior recital is given. (This course may be repeated one time for credit in a second performance area.) $15 class fee required.
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.
Credits: 7 (2 credit hours are awarded for one 50-minute lesson per week; 1 credit hour is awarded by taking one 30-minute lesson per week.)

Description: Private music instruction for 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
Instrumentalists must earn 2 credit hours through participation in any of the following ensembles:
- MUS 135 Mariachi Negro y Oro (0.5 credits) - Rehearses and performs traditional Mexican mariachi music. Studies performance technique on mariachi instruments: trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela, and guitarrón. Open to all WSC students.
- MUS 136 Percussion Ensemble (0.5 credits) - Rehearsal and performance of percussion ensemble music. Open to all WSC students.
- MUS 139 - Keyboard Ensemble (0.5 credits) - Rehearsal and performance of piano music written for more than one performer.
- MUS 145 - Brass Ensemble (0.5 credits) - Rehearsal and performance of brass music in a chamber music environment.
- MUS 146 - Woodwind Ensemble (0.5 credits) - Rehearsal and performance of woodwind music in a chamber music environment.
- MUS 148 String Ensemble (0.5 credits) - Rehearsal and performance of string music in a chamber music environment.

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 a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Music Performance at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Marketing (major or minor)
Music Education (major)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Music Performance program may also be interested in:

General Music (B.A. or B.S.)
Music Industry (B.A. or B.S.)
Theatre Arts (B.A. or B.S.)

Meet the professors

Music Department faculty

Matthew Armstrong, DMA

Associate Professor

Shelly Armstrong, MME

Accompanist

Joshua Calkin, DMA

Professor

Matthew Clegg, DMA

Lecturer

Melissa Derechailo, DMA

Instructor

Sarah Farr, DMA

Associate Professor

Michael Genslinger, MME

Instructor

Matthew Haakenson, Ph.D.

Professor

Karl Kolbeck, DMA

Professor

Angela Miller-Niles, DMA

Associate Professor

Clubs and activities for Music Performance majors

Aurae Voces - For students to explore a quintet form of singing
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