Programs

School of Music Degree Programs

Western’s School of Music offers a variety of programs to meet a student’s interests in music:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music (a Music Industry Option is available)
• Bachelor of Music (B.M.) with concentrations in Performance or Commercial Music & Audio Production (CMAP)
• Bachelor of  Music  (B.M./B.S.Ed.) in Music Education with concentrations in Instrumental or Choral/General Music
• Music Minor and other opportunities for the non-music major

All music degree and minor programs require a live audition before a panel of Music faculty.

Why Music at WCU

The School serves approximately 230 vocal and instrumental undergraduate music students in these exciting and challenging programs. Whatever your interests, Western's programs will help you develop your musical knowledge and skills while preparing for your professional career.

Music alumni are engaged in exciting careers as teachers, performers, studio musicians, composers, conductors, producers, and in many related areas in the music industry.  They can be found making music all over North Carolina and across the country, from New York to Nashville to Los Angeles.  We also have graduates in Korea, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and other countries around the world.

Make Music at Western!

From our 535-piece marching band that led the  Macy's Day Parade in 2015 and 2019, to the by-audition-only 24-member Catamount Singers and Electric Soul, WCU offers a wide variety of outstanding performance groups for vocal and instrumental music students.  Many of our ensembles are also open to non-music majors.  WCU's School of Music focuses on delivering the kind of academic and leadership experience that will prepare students for successful careers as musicians. This includes opportunities to conduct ensembles, being involved in real-world recording projects, and much more.

Learn more about Ensembles

Get to know our Faculty

Learn more about Arts & Entrepreneurship Certificate