University Bands

Degree Programs

The School of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Comprehensive undergraduate degrees offered include the Bachelor of Music degree in Performance or Music Education (Teacher Certification), and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Business or Music Therapy. A non-comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree in music is also offered.

All majors and minors must pass entrance performance auditions and placement examinations in music theory, ear-training, and piano. Students entering the B.M. or B.A. degree programs must take a proficiency examination in basic elements and music literature or take Music 190. Periodic reviews of student progress include a performance jury examination each semester; the Basic Music Skills Assessment (BMSA), which must be passed before registering for music courses at the 300 level; and recitals. The same BMSA must be passed by transfer students before registration for music courses at the 300 level. All music majors must have satisfactory (S) grades in Music 001 all but one semester of full-time resident status, and are required to register for at least one music ensemble every semester in residency.

The Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education (Teacher Certification) prepares students to teach music in the public schools. All music education students must appear before the Student Teaching Committee of the School of Music for evaluation of competencies and skills prior to student teaching. Final approval for student teaching is granted only by this committee. Students may obtain Illinois K-12 certification in Music by completing degree requirements and state certification tests.

The non-comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree in music, with a minor in another field, provides an opportunity for students to study music in a broader liberal arts context. This also allows students in pre-professional programs such as pre-law or pre-medicine to complete a major in music, meeting professional school entrance requirements through the minor and other guided electives. The School of Music also offers minors in liberal arts.

Scholarships and Talent Grants

Please view the WIU Scholarship Page to learn more about scholarship opportunities.

Apply Online

Please visit the Western Illinois University Admission Applications page to submit an online application.

Contact Information - WIU Bands Office

University Bands
1 University Circle
Sallee Hall 204
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309-298-1505
Fax: 309-298-1499

University Bands Faculty

Director of Bands, Michael Fansler - MJ-Fansler@wiu.edu
Associate Director of Bands, Matt Thomas - MJ-Thomas@wiu.edu
Director of Jazz Studies, John Cooper - JB-Cooper@wiu.edu

Directions to Western Illinois University