Bachelor of Music
Immerse yourself in swelling strings, captivating cantatas, pounding percussion, and soaring sonatas. The Bachelor of Music degree program at Western Illinois University (WIU) fosters a vibrant community of musicians, producers, conductors, performers, teachers, and music therapy practitioners whose talents shine throughout invigorating careers.
Western’s music degrees, available on the Macomb campus, span aspects of performance, music business, and composition. They include professional preparation for music therapy and music education, and dive deep into jazz studies. Choose from six majors and dozens of instrument specialties.
Play in a student ensemble. Form connections in a student organization. Find inspiration while watching a visiting performer. Lay the groundwork for your future in an internship. Throughout the Bachelor of Music program, you can experience musicianship and performance in practice rooms, on stage, in orchestra pits, as an audience member, in recording studios, and from behind the curtain.
Why Choose WIU?
The Bachelor of Music degree program at Western holds the unmatched experience of music creation and performance at its heart. Throughout your studies, you act as audience, listener, stagehand, teacher, and performer many times over, drawing artistic sustenance from our:
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One-on-one instruction with nationally renowned faculty whose guidance can help your creations and performances blossom
- Opportunities to deepen your appreciation and demonstrate your art in more than 180 live student and faculty performances each year
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Hands-on experience in our Community Music School, Music Therapy Clinic, and Instrument Repair Shop, along with our 19 student ensembles
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Internship placements in some of the nation’s most distinguished music institutions, including the Kennedy Center, the Chicago Symphony, and the Santa Fe Opera
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Professional music organizations and networking events like conferences, visiting artist lectures, and community education activities
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Program Curriculum
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All WIU music majors develop deep, essential capabilities across core musical competencies, including music theory and aural skills, piano and conducting courses, and a cultural and stylistic survey of European music history. You also collaborate, practice, and perform with one of our 19 student ensembles almost every semester.
Hone your craft in one of six music majors—detailed below—designed to facilitate focused learning with faculty, peers, and mentors. Whether your passions lie in production and performance or teaching and therapy, WIU’s expert professors can help you grow and excel in your field.
Each semester, layer on practical experiences from the classroom and beyond so that you graduate well-equipped for whatever challenges lie ahead: graduate school, music production, full-time performance, or teaching—Western’s music education program prepares you for music teacher certification in all 50 states.
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Specialized Music Majors
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Pursue your passion in its most distilled form by selecting a specialized area of study in the Bachelor of Music program. These highly specific—and sometimes personalized—degree options empower you to master technical capabilities and industry expertise that is harder to attain through general music study.
Western’s
Jazz Studies
program focuses on the history, performance, and future of jazz music.
As a
Music Business
student, examine the recording industry, audio production, developing artists, and more fundamentals of the business of music.
Incorporate theory, analysis, and diverse compositional techniques in your musical work through the
Music Composition
major.
Study
Music Education
to become an effective music educator with tangible impacts in school and musical communities.
The
Music Performance
major emphasizes performance skills through one-on-one instruction, ear training, music theory, and music history. Explore the Applied Studios for a full list of instruments and vocal instructors.
Music Therapy
involves clinical training and practice through practicum courses and an internship in which you apply principles of music, psychology, and human development.
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WIU Ensembles
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Gain fluency as an arranger, collaborator, and performer through Western’s rejuvenating student ensembles. These groups perform in the acoustically polished Recital Hall—our dedicated modern facility—and some ensembles even tour internationally.
Most ensembles require an audition, and all qualify for course credit in the music major. Further your musical aspirations as a member of:
- Concert Band
- Marching Leathernecks
- Pep Band
- Symphonic Wind Ensemble
- University Band
- WIU Chamber Winds
- Chamber Singers
- Concert Choir
- Treble Choir
- University Singers
- Jazz Band
- Jazz Combos
- Jazz Ensemble
- Jazz Studio Orchestra
- President’s International String Quartet
- Symphony Orchestra
- Brass Ensemble
- Classical Guitar Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
- Steel Band
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WIU Student Life Opportunities
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Getting involved in music-related events and activities can help expand your network of musicians, deepen your technical skills, and open up new perspectives on the place and potential of music. Engage with your craft beyond the classroom in one of our 19 student ensembles, a music library with a collection of more than 18,000 scores, our Instrument Repair Shop, and nine student organizations:
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American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Student Chapter: Hosts choral events and annual choral conductors’ competition
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American String Teachers Association (ASTA): Assembles national organization of strings teachers
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Mu Phi Epsilon: Recognizes scholarship and musicianship, advancing the cause of music in the world
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Music Business Association: Trains members in music business through lectures, field studies, and student-led activities
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Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Chapter: Participates in all activities of the local MTNA association
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Music Therapy Association: Encourages public awareness of music therapy
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National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Collegiate Chapter #717: Prepares members for teaching by organizing activities, clinician sessions, and guest lecturers
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Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity: Develops the cause of music in America
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Sigma Alpha Iota: Promotes interaction among those committed to music
What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Music degree?
Depending on your specific music major, you may prepare for a highly specialized career as a performer, composer, producer, recording artist, or music therapist—and establish a broad foundation on which to build wide-ranging professional specialties. The teaching aspects of WIU’s music degree program, which cover band, choir, orchestra, and general music, are easily transferable to teacher certifications in all 50 states.
Moreover, the bachelor’s in music program sets you apart in applications to graduate and doctoral programs, including Western’s own Master of Music degree. Common career paths include:
Job Placements
With a Bachelor in Music degree from WIU, you attain the performance, educational, and technical skills to excel in professional music environments. Our graduates boast roles like:
- Executive Director of the Institute for Therapy through the Arts (Chicago, IL)
- Project Manager, Babygrande Records (New York City, NY)
- Chief Musician, U.S. Navy Band (Washington, DC)
- K-12 Music Teacher (nationwide)
Admissions
Ready to become a Leatherneck? Western is a test optional institution, meaning we don’t require SAT/ACT scores. Review our undergraduate admissions standards for more information about applying to the LEJA program at WIU.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Laying out the groundwork of tuition, financial aid (including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study), and other factors can give you the big picture of your educational investment. Our handy financial aid tools, including a Net Price Calculator, can help make sense of your options and opportunities.
Scholarships
Our one-of-a-kind The Western Way scholarship program covers tuition costs and mandatory fees for eligible students. As a music major, your audition will also be considered for a talent-based scholarship—valued at up to $7,000 per year. Keep an eye on the audition page for application information and deadlines, which usually fall in February.
Unleash Your Creative Potential in WIU’s Bachelor of Music Program
Glean insights from expert faculty, visiting musicians, peer collaborations, and industry networking events in the Bachelor of Music program at Western Illinois University. Lay stepping stones toward graduate school, music production, teaching, full-time performance, independent musicianship, and sonic careers of all kinds.
Apply today to nurture your musical aspirations and encourage your creativity to grow and prosper.
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