Why study music performance at Washburn?

If your musical craft is your passion, Washburn is a great place for you to build the foundation you need to make a career out of what you love.

You can choose to focus your study on vocal or instrumental performance and you’ll study with professional musicians while having opportunities to be involved in Sunflower Music Festival, clinics, camps, and much more. Washburn music programs are nationally accredited under the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Performance degrees can be earned in the following areas: voice, piano, organ, guitar, brass, strings, percussion, or woodwinds.

Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $65,312on campus
Students part of the orchestra give a performance

What sets Music at Washburn apart?

  • As an accredited program, you can be assured of the rigor of the program, the caliber of instruction you’ll receive, and the quality of facilities in which you will perform and practice.
  • You’ll participate in ensembles right away. Because Washburn’s program is undergraduate-only, new students can get involved in big ways from their first semester.
  • You will have both a junior recital and a senior recital, and develop your own musicianship. You’ll also participate in master classes, clinics and seminars.
  • You’ll be eligible for scholarships. All participants in marching band receive an additional scholarship.
  • Student clubs will help you connect with a community of musicians. You’ll have a locker, practice space, and other supports, too.

Apply now
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Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Music scholarships and auditions

Plan to audition the February prior to your freshman year. This audition may qualify you for additional music department scholarships.

Tuition and fees

Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate rate.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waivers

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue sociology. It's common to declare a major in sociology at enrollment and then determine your specific interest.

You’ll complete Washburn’s music proficiency exams and prepare a senior recital. Work with your advisor to determine how you can best prepare. 

About 65 percent of students take 4.5 to 5 years to complete this program. Washburn Career Engagement provides opportunities for resume development, mock-interviews, and career fairs. Be sure to connect with them well before graduation.

In the last five years, 53 percent of performance graduates have gone right to graduate school.
Music student, TyRese, sitting on a chair with a saxophone in his lap.

Meet Washburn music student Ty'Rese Mendez

"We connected as musicians. He's helped me grow into the musician I am today. ... I enjoy the sense of family." - Ty'Rese Mendez

Professor directs the choir during class
Marching band members cheer during a performance
Student plays a woodwind during ensemble practice
Student plays a horn outside for marching band practice.

Set for Success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook

Opportunities

Perform/compose/conduct ensembles
Recordings, competitions, and conference presentations
Master classes, clinics, and seminars
Study abroad and perform

Student/faculty ratio

7:1

Qualities for success

Self-Discipline

Problem solving skills

Organizational and time management skills

Tenacity

Willingness to accept criticism

Ensembles

Learn more about our student ensembles
Read More

Student Orgs

Meet other majors and students passionate about music
Read More

Auditions

Auditions are required to major in music or earn a scholarship
Read More

GET IN TOUCH WITH Music Program

Music Program
Garvey Fine Arts Center, Room 211
Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1511
music.theatre@washburn.edu

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