Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance

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Hit the Right Note in Your Musical Journey

Take your musical talent to the next level with a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance at Eastern Washington University. Our nationally accredited program offers an exciting blend of professional training and a well-rounded liberal arts education, preparing graduates for a successful music career. 

As a student, you’ll fine-tune your skills through individual lessons, ensemble work, and live performances on and off campus. Along the way, you’ll deepen your understanding of music theory, history, literature, and technology—all while developing the artistry and technical expertise needed to thrive in the industry.

Curriculum & Requirements

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Instrumental Performance Major, Bachelor of Music (BM)

Required Non-Credit Music Components
CONVOCATION AND RECITAL ATTENDANCE (must be repeated each term)
Junior Recital
Piano Proficiency
Required Instrumental Performance Courses
MUSC 101
& MUSC 102
& MUSC 103		MUSIC THEORY I
and MUSIC THEORY II
and MUSIC THEORY III		9
MUSC 104
& MUSC 105
& MUSC 106		SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS II
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS III		3
MUSC 121
& MUSC 122		PIANO CLASS II FOR MAJORS
and PIANO CLASS III FOR MAJORS		2
MUSC 201
& MUSC 202
& MUSC 203		MUSIC THEORY IV
and MUSIC THEORY V
and MUSIC THEORY VI		9
MUSC 204
& MUSC 205		SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS IV
and SIGHT SINGING AND AURAL SKILLS V		2
MUSC 244MUSIC TECHNOLOGY2
MUSC 250
& MUSC 251
& MUSC 252		MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE II
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE III		12
MUSC 310BASIC CONDUCTING2
MUSC 312ADVANCED CONDUCTING2
MUSC 388PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC4
MUSC 469PEDAGOGY FOR MUSICIANS3
MUSC 470SENIOR RECITAL2
Applied Music Requirements–must be repeated24
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
Major Music Ensemble Requirement Options–must be repeated12
MARCHING BAND
WIND ENSEMBLE
SYMPHONIC BAND
ORCHESTRA
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
CONCERT CHOIR
Minor Music Ensemble Requirements–choose a minimum of two2
CONCERT JAZZ ORCHESTRA
REPERTORY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
COLLEGIANS
OPERA WORKSHOP
CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES
GUITAR ENSEMBLE
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
PIANO ENSEMBLE
POP COMBO
Required Senior Capstone/Thesis
MUSC 490MUSIC SENIOR CAPSTONE4
Total Credits94

Sample Courses

MUSC 244. MUSIC TECHNOLOGY. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103, and MUSC 106.
This course is a practical study of music technology for performers and educators. Topics include the study of music notation/accompaniment software, recording programs, MIDI applications, and sound reinforcement.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 250. MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103.
Detailed study and analysis of music in Western civilization from its origin to modern times. The fall quarter covers antiquity through the Renaissance.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 310. BASIC CONDUCTING. 2 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103.
This course is the study of fundamental conducting techniques including score study and rehearsal techniques, and will focus on aspects of choral conducting, both small and large ensembles.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 469. PEDAGOGY FOR MUSICIANS. 3 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 205.
Pedagogy is the art of teaching. This course addresses the studio music teacher and how we teach music on various levels. Pedagogy involves the study of learning theories, musical concepts and how we teach them, entrepreneurial business practices and how to facilitate a successful music teaching studio.

Catalog Listing

Career Possibilities

  • Professional Musician (Orchestral, Jazz, Classical, Commercial)
  • Concert Pianist, Violinist, Guitarist, etc.
  • Opera Singer
  • Musical Theater Performer
  • Studio Musician
  • Music Director (Church, Theater, Live Events)

  • Private Music Instructor
  • K-12 Music Teacher
  • University Music Professor
  • Music Therapy Specialist
  • Music Educator for Special Needs Students
  • Music Camp/Festival Director
  • Music Pedagogy Specialist

  • Composer (Film, TV, Video Games)
  • Songwriter & Arranger
  • Music Producer & Technologist
  • Sound Designer & Music Editor
  • Film Score Composer

A Performance major prepares students for professional careers in the music industry, emphasizing the development of advanced technical skills, artistry, and performance delivery. Students specialize in an instrument or voice, honing their craft through individual lessons, ensemble work, and live performances. In addition to mastering their chosen instrument or voice, students learn about music theory, history, and the business of music. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as studio teachers, commercial music performers, solo artists, performers in professional ensembles, music educators, or composers/arrangers. They may also work in music production, management, international diplomacy, arts administration, and other music-related fields.

Explore your career possibilities in the following areas:

 

EWU Music Session

Percussion performance alumnus Jonathan Williams ’20 shares his stirring rendition of Night of Moon Dances, a tour de force for solo marimba and percussion ensemble.

Why EWU?

Vibrant Music Community

Vibrant Music Community

Join clubs like Mariachi Las Águilas, ACDA Choir, and the EWU Marching Band.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Learn from musicians who actively perform at top regional venues.

Affordable Education

Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition and financial aid options to help you graduate debt-free.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Graduate prepared to take control of your career and thrive financially.

Passion-Driven Careers

Passion-Driven Careers

Follow your calling and compose your future in the music industry.

Program Highlights

  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with artists, actors, writers, and poets to broaden your creative horizons.
  • Accredited Excellence: Earn a degree from a nationally accredited program known for its exceptional music education.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: Keep pace with the changing industry using advanced music technology and state-of-the-art tools.
“I chose the EWU music program because of the world-class musicians who teach there. I knew I could trust them to become both a better musician and a more well-rounded person.” — Christian Skok '22

Faculty

For more information about Instrumental Performance, contact our faculty.

John Marshall

Professor, Director of Orchestra and Cello Studies
Photo of John Marshall
Music Building Room 226

Michael Waldrop

Professor
Photo of Michael Waldrop
Music Building Room 143
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Take the Next Step

The EWU Music Department awards an average of $150,000 in scholarships each year to help students pursue their dream of working in the music industry.

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Location:
Music Building
20 W Seventh St
Cheney, WA 99004

Contact:
E: jgraves@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2241

Collaborate and excel with exceptional musicians and artist-teachers in an inclusive academic environment. Our programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by faculty from the region’s dynamic arts community.

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