Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The programme builds core musicianship through applied lessons, ensemble participation and classroom study. Typical components include:

• Applied lessons and private instruction in your principal instrument or voice, with regular juries and a senior recital or capstone performance.
• Ensembles such as wind ensemble, orchestra, jazz band, choirs, chamber groups and musical theatre productions, providing regular public performance experience.
• Music theory and aural skills covering harmony, counterpoint, analysis, sight-singing and ear training across progressive levels.
• Music history and literature surveying Western art music, popular music studies and repertoire specific to your focus (vocal, instrumental, jazz, etc.).
• Composition and arranging fundamentals and opportunities to write for ensembles or electronic media.
• Music technology including basic recording techniques, notation software, digital audio workstations and applications for teaching and performance.
• Conducting and rehearsal techniques for small and large ensembles, often linked to ensemble leadership opportunities.
• Pedagogy and practicum covering methods of teaching applied lessons and classroom music, with supervised teaching experiences for those pursuing music education pathways.
• General education and elective coursework to ensure a broad liberal-arts foundation and room to pursue interdisciplinary interests or a minor.

Students usually choose a concentration or emphasis (for example performance, composition, jazz studies or music education) and assemble a programme of study with a faculty advisor. Regular masterclasses, recitals and community performances are integrated throughout the degree.

Entry requirements

Admission to the university requires a completed secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Specific music-programme requirements commonly include:

• Audition on your principal instrument or voice demonstrating technical ability, musicality and appropriate repertoire; repertoire requirements are provided by the Department of Music and Theatre.
• Academic record showing satisfactory secondary-school performance; departments typically expect evidence of consistent academic work.
• Placement in theory/aural skills—incoming students may take placement exams to determine appropriate starting levels in musicianship courses.
• Supplementary materials such as a resume of musical experience, and in some cases letters of recommendation or a personal statement outlining goals.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency according to university policy is required.

Students should check with the Department of Music and Theatre for up‑to‑date audition repertoire lists and specific documentation required for admission to applied study.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of careers in music and related fields. Common paths include:

• Performer (solo, chamber, orchestral, choral or musical theatre)
• Music teacher in schools, private studio teacher or early-years music specialist
• Music director, conductor or rehearsal coach for ensembles and theatre productions
• Composer, arranger or scorer for media, theatre and community projects
• Music technologist, recording and production assistant or audio technician
• Arts administrator, outreach coordinator or programming staff for cultural organisations
• Further study at the graduate level (performance degrees, music education certification, composition or musicology)

The programme emphasises transferable skills—communication, teamwork, project management and public presentation—that are valued in education, non-profits and the creative industries.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a music programme with close faculty mentoring, frequent performance opportunities and strong links to the regional arts community. Students benefit from small class sizes, regular masterclasses with visiting artists and a range of ensembles that suit diverse interests from classical and jazz to musical theatre.

The Department of Music and Theatre places emphasis on practical experience—recitals, productions and community engagement—preparing graduates for careers in performance, teaching and arts leadership. Proximity to a vibrant regional scene provides internship and collaboration opportunities, and the university structure allows students to combine music study with minors or double-majors across the liberal arts.