Why study music performance at Washburn?

If music is your passion and you aspire to build a career as a professional performer, Washburn University provides the training, mentorship, and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. The Bachelor of Music in Performance is designed for students who are committed to developing their artistic potential through intensive study, performance experience, and individualized instruction.

 

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.
music students with instructor in class

Developing necessary professional skills

You may choose to focus on either instrumental or vocal performance while studying with accomplished faculty members who are active performers, educators, and mentors. Through private lessons, ensemble participation, masterclasses, and public performances, you'll develop the technical proficiency, musical artistry, and professional skills necessary for success in today’s musical landscape.

 
students in orchestra performing

Beyond the classroom

Beyond the classroom, you benefit from a wide range of enriching experiences, including performances and collaborations associated with the internationally recognized Sunflower Music Festival, educational clinics, summer camps, guest artist residencies, and other professional development opportunities. These experiences provide you with valuable exposure to leading artists and help you build meaningful connections within the music profession.
student standing with piano smiling

Grounded in excellence and artistic achievement

You can pursue a performance degree in voice, piano, organ, guitar, brass, strings, percussion, or woodwinds. As part of a nationally accredited music program, you'll receive a high-quality education grounded in excellence and artistic achievement. Washburn University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), ensuring you are well prepared for careers in performance, graduate study, and related professional fields.

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.

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

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

Apply now

Apply to Washburn

Visit Washburn

Visit Washburn

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.

Music Events

PREV NEXT

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 The Department of Music & Theatre

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

Phone & Email
785.670.1511
music.theatre@washburn.edu

back to top button