Graduate Studies

Music

“The skills I learned while at WIU fully prepared me for post-graduate school life. WIU didn't just give me a degree, it was a jumpstart on my career.” – Kim Keim, MM-Piano Pedagogy, 2013

Tracks

  • Choral Conducting
  • Composition
  • Instrumental Conducting
  • Instrumental Performance
  • Jazz Studies
  • Music Education (online)
  • Musicology
  • Piano Pedagogy
  • Piano Performance
  • Vocal Performance

Program Overview

The School of Music at Western Illinois University prepares graduate students for the professional world as performers, educators, composers, and innovators. Core courses in music theory, music history, and research complement individual lessons and specialized courses tailored to meet each student's career goals. Students preparing for further studies at the doctoral level develop a strong foundation in performance and research, and many recent graduates have been admitted to highly selective doctoral programs at universities and conservatories throughout the world. A variety of graduate assistantships provide full tuition waivers and stipends while providing valuable performance and teaching experience.

Why Music at WIU?

Students have the opportunity to observe—and occasionally participate in—faculty ensembles, including the Lamoine Brass Quintet, the Camerata Woodwind Quintet, the Hopper Jazztet, and the Julstrom String Quartet. In addition, the School of Music sponsors the Al Sears Jazz Festival in the fall and the New Music Festival in the spring. The direct Amtrak service to Chicago and the proximity to other Midwestern centers allow students to experience a variety of concerts, including world-class orchestral, chamber, operatic, and jazz ensembles.

Our Faculty

The School of Music presents a rare phenomenon: students can study with full-time professionals for every voice type, instrument, and field of music. The student-teacher ratio is half the national average, and instruction is geared toward the individual student’s needs. Our faculty members perform at both regional and national levels, participate in professional conferences, and publish research and criticism in scholarly journals devoted to their respective disciplines.

Quick View

Degrees Available:

  • M.M.

Locations:

  • Macomb

Required GPA:

  • Cumulative: 2.75 or
  • Last 2 years: 3.0

Admission Requirements:

  • Goals Statement
  • Audition
  • Transcripts

Interesting Facts: Fall 2023

  • Currently enrolled: 40
  • International: 7
  • Minority: 4
  • Students with Assistantships: 17

Department Contact Information:

Browne Hall 122
309/298-1544
music@wiu.edu