Music at EWU

Make Music and Make Your Mark

The Eastern Washington University Music program empowers you to create, perform, and innovate. With diverse music offerings—including music education, music technology, composition, and performance—you can explore various disciplines and find your forte.

Join a dynamic and creative community of musicians, singers, writers, and composers while mastering the latest music technology. Whether performing on stage or working behind the scenes, you’ll turn your passion for music into a successful and fulfilling career.

The EWU Music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by world-class faculty who are actively involved in the region’s vibrant arts community. Our professors and instructors are members of prominent organizations such as the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, Inland Northwest Opera, Spokane Jazz Orchestra, and many others.

In addition to receiving one-on-one mentorship from our exceptional faculty, you’ll have ample opportunities to showcase your skills—the department stages more than 100 concerts per year both on and off campus.

Choose EWU, one of Washington’s top colleges for music education, and start composing your future today.

Scholarship Auditions

Calling all musicians! Did you know 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?

Here are the details:

  • Auditions are open year-round for music majors and minors. You can schedule an in-person audition or submit a video.
  • Review the audition requirements before your appointment.
  • Questions? Contact Music Program Director Dr. Jody Graves at jgraves@ewu.edu.

Start Your Scholarship Application

Music Degrees

Our curriculum prepares students for a wide range of career possibilities.

Music

The Music BA degree offers a flexible and well-rounded education, making it an ideal choice for students who want to explore both music and entrepreneurship. With a mix of electives, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your studies based on your interests and career goals. You’ll build a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance while gaining practical experience through ensemble participation.

Music (BA)

Music Education

Our nationally accredited Bachelor of Music Education (BME) program and renowned faculty will shape you into a highly skilled, passionate music educator for K-12 schools. We partner with the EWU School of Education and local schools to provide valuable opportunities and hands-on experiences that lead to certification and endorsements. With a 100% placement rate in K-12 schools, the EWU BME Program sets you up for success.

Music Education (BME)

Music Technology

If you’re passionate about music and media production, countless career opportunities await you. Whether your interests lie in recording, editing, mastering, or sound design, the Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology will give you the skills to thrive. You could start your own business, land a job with major companies like Apple or Amazon, or work with recording studios, film companies, or touring bands and ensembles.

Music Technology (BA)

Music Composition

The Bachelor of Music in Composition opens the door to numerous career paths in the music industry and beyond. Our nationally accredited program offers a supportive and creative environment where you can grow as a composer. Through courses in composition, orchestration, arranging, music technology, and film scoring, you’ll gain the skills and tools to experiment, refine your craft, and bring your musical ideas to life.

Music Composition (BM)

Instrumental Performance

Our Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance degree prepares students for careers as solo and collaborative artists, applied music studio teachers and coaches, or performers in professional orchestras and jazz ensembles. Many of our students go on to excel in distinguished graduate programs, furthering their musical careers. Others pursue fellowship positions at summer festivals or work in recording studios.

Instrumental Performance (BM)

Piano or Vocal Performance

The Bachelor of Music in Piano or Vocal Performance offers exciting opportunities for both solo and collaborative performances. You’ll showcase your talents at various on- and off-campus venues while working closely with our experienced artist faculty members. The program also includes guest artist masterclasses each season, giving you valuable insights and mentorship from industry professionals.

Piano Performance (BM)

Vocal Performance (BM)

EWU Music Sessions

Are you dreaming of a career in the music industry as a performer, music technologist, composer, or instructor? Begin your musical journey at EWU!

Get a glimpse into the vibrant world of the EWU Music program through special performances, testimonials, and tutorials from our talented students and faculty. Explore exciting areas such as:

  • Orchestral performance
  • Piano performance
  • Vocal performance
  • Percussion performance
  • Music technology
  • Composition

Tune In to the Sessions

News & Accomplishments

Our Mission

The EWU Music Program’s mission is to provide:

  • a top-tier education for music majors pursuing careers as performers, composers, educators, music technologists, or scholars.
  • high-quality music instruction for non-majors, grounded in a liberal arts tradition.

Our world-class music faculty blends exceptional teaching with artistic and scholarly expertise to create a supportive, dynamic learning environment. Our accredited programs welcome students from diverse backgrounds and interests, guiding them to grow and succeed on their musical journey.