Faculty members who are active performers, researchers, composers and scholars guide
students through the program, which has a fully equipped recording studio and hosts
more than 300 concerts and recitals annually. Students take musicianship courses and
individual lessons, and present a public recital. Musicians concentrating on performance
study additional music theory and performance techniques, and participate in a variety
of ensembles. Aspiring music educators take classes that prepare them to be successful,
licensed teachers. Commercial and electronic music students study contemporary music
technology and how to record, edit, mix and master digital audio. Music industry students
complete an internship and concentrate on fundamentals of the music business with
course topics ranging from royalties to artist management.
Where You'll Go
Most students who complete a concentration in performance go on to additional graduate
study or may explore careers in professional bands or ensembles, music therapy or
teaching music privately. Music education students seek teaching positions and licensure
to work in North Carolina public schools. Graduates with concentrations in commercial
and electronic music may be hired to compose or record music for commercials, TV shows,
movies, events or video games.Students who concentrate their studies in the music
industry may be hired by recording studios, record labels and organizations with music
performances such as churches and conference centers.
WCU鈥檚 music program prepares students to become professional musicians, music teachers
or commercial and electronic music recording artists. The program also offers a track
for students interested in music industry jobs from producing records to managing
artists. WCU鈥檚 School of Music is a community of faculty, staff and students who come
together to learn and cultivate the art form of music, whether marching with the 500
members of the national award-winning Pride of the Mountains Marching Band or recording
an original composition in a state-of-the-art studio on campus. In addition to admittance
to WCU, prospective students who wish to study in the School of Music must perform a
live audition. Learn more about the admission and audition process here.
Degree Options
School
College of Fine & Performing Arts, School of Music
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Length
Full-Time
Time to Complete:
4 Year Average
Credits:
120 total credit hours
App Deadline:
Admission to 蘑菇短视频plus required live audition; students must also pass a music aptitude
exam and satisfy applied-lesson, ensemble, and recital requirements.
School
College of Fine & Performing Arts, School of Music
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Length
Full-Time
Time to Complete:
4 Year Average
Credits:
120鈥�128 total credit hours (depending on concentration)
App Deadline:
Admission to 蘑菇短视频plus required live audition; all B.M. students must also pass a music
aptitude exam and complete applied-lesson and recital requirements.
More About Our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music Programs in Music
WCU鈥檚 Music programs offer students flexible pathways to pursue careers in performance,
music education, commercial music, or the music industry.
The B.A. emphasizes broad liberal arts and interdisciplinary study, while the B.M.
provides specialized training with concentrations in Performance, Commercial Music
& Audio Production, or Music Education. Both degrees include applied lessons, ensemble
participation, and public recitals, preparing graduates for professional opportunities
or advanced study.
Admission to the music major ensures students are prepared for applied study, ensemble
participation, and recitals. Students develop core musicianship and performance skills
necessary for their chosen concentration or liberal arts track.
Students gain hands-on experience through lessons, ensembles, and professional collaborations.
Partnerships with local and regional organizations provide real-world training, preparing
graduates for licensure, teaching, performance, and music industry careers.
Students can complete their B.A. in eight semesters by following a structured schedule,
balancing core musicianship, liberal arts courses, and chosen academic specialization.
Students follow an eight-semester plan tailored to their concentration, gaining applied
skills, ensemble experience, and recitals. Music Education students also complete
pre-student-teaching and student teaching placements.
Completion of the B.M./B.S.Ed. degree qualifies students for the North Carolina Professional Educator鈥檚 License (Music K鈥�12) and prepares them for careers in music education at elementary, middle, or high school
levels.
Students gain real-world experience through internships, recording projects, ensemble
leadership, and music industry collaborations. Opportunities include music production,
performance, teaching, and entrepreneurship.
What鈥檚 Happening
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