Central Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines applied performance, core musicianship skills and academic study of music. Typical components include private lessons on your principal instrument or voice, ensemble participation (orchestra, wind ensemble, choir, jazz ensemble and chamber groups), aural skills and music theory sequence, music history and literature, conducting fundamentals, and courses in music technology and music pedagogy.

Students follow a structured progression from introductory theory and ear training to advanced harmony, counterpoint and form/analysis. Applied lessons are complemented by regular juries and a senior recital or capstone project. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as composition, arranging, music education preparation, or music production and recording.

• Applied lessons and performance juries
• Ensemble participation and staged productions
• Musicianship: aural skills, sight-singing, dictation
• Music theory sequence: harmony, counterpoint, analysis
• Music history and literature surveys
• Conducting and rehearsal techniques
• Music technology: notation software, recording basics, MIDI
• Pedagogy and methods for private and classroom teaching
• Capstone recital, portfolio or research project

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent and meeting general university admission standards. Prospective music majors must normally pass an audition and placement examinations in theory/musicianship; auditions assess tone, technique, repertoire, sight-reading and musicality. Applicants should prepare prescribed repertoire that demonstrates technical and stylistic range for their instrument or voice.

Other usual requirements include submission of academic transcripts and a statement of purpose. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements set by the university. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may be placed in sequence based on prior coursework and placement results.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in the music and performing arts sector. Common pathways include work as professional performers, ensemble members, choral or orchestral musicians, music teachers in private studios or K–12 settings (with additional certification where required), and accompanists. The programme also supports careers in arts administration, producing, music technology, music publishing, and continued graduate study for those pursuing advanced performance, conducting, composition or academic research.

Students develop transferable skills valued by employers—collaboration, communication, time management and project planning—useful in community arts organisations, event production, media and education-related roles. Internships, community partnerships and performance experience help graduates build professional networks and practical experience before finishing the degree.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a conservatory-minded curriculum within a public university setting, combining focused one-to-one instruction with liberal-arts breadth. Students benefit from frequent performance opportunities in ensembles, recitals, and staged productions, giving practical experience in front of live audiences.

Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship support individual artistic growth and career planning. The department emphasises applied training, ensemble work and pedagogical preparation, and students can make use of music technology resources and collaborative projects with other departments. The university’s regional connections and community partnerships also create opportunities for teaching placements, internships and local performance engagements.