Why a Bachelor of Musical Arts at Washburn?

Washburn’s Bachelor of Musical Arts provides the best of broad education with the rigor of our performance-focused degrees. You’ll grow as a musician, while specializing in a concentration, and enriching your knowledge through a minor outside of music as well.

This is the only such program in Kansas and will prepare you for a career in the music industry. Washburn music programs are nationally accredited under the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $65,312on campus
A student smiles during jazz ensemble practice.

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 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.

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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.

As you progress in your degree, you’ll earn a minor in an area outside of music and focus 18 credits in a music concentration of your choice. It is possible to concentrate in more than one area, but it will extend your time on campus. Work with your advisor if you have questions.

Recommended minors include: French, Spanish, English literature, psychology, business, mass media (film & video or applied media), computer information science, history, and theatre.

Select 18 credits from:

  • MU 102 Jazz History (3)
  • MU 208 Guitar Techniques (1)
  • MU 245/445 Large Ensemble: Jazz I or Jazz II (4)
  • MU 254/454 Small Ensemble: Jazz Combo (3)
  • MU 305 Business of Music (1)
  • MU 420 Jazz Band Pedagogy (1)
  • MU 476/276 Applied Jazz Lessons (6)
Note: You can also earn the Bachelor of Music in performance and a Jazz Studies minor.

 Select 18 credits from:

  • MU 102, 103, 104, 108, or 300: Elective in Vernacular Music (3)
  • MU 267/467 Applied Piano (2)
  • MU 317 Orchestration (2)
  • MU 320 Form & Analysis (2)
  • MU 400 Senior Seminar (2)
  • MU 400 Senior Capstone/Thesis – two semesters (4)
  • MU 415 Tonal Counterpoint (2)
  • MU 443 Composition Lessons (1)

Select 18 credits from:

  • MU 317 Orchestration (2)
  • MU 320 Form & Analysis (2)
  • MU 400 Senior Seminar (2)
  • MU 400 Senior Capstone/Thesis – two semesters (4)
  • MU 415 Tonal Counterpoint (2)
  • MU 443 Composition (6)

Select 18 credits from:

  • MU 237 Choral Clinic (0)
  • MU 238 Instrumental Clinic (0)
  • MU 240 Beginning Conducting (1)
  • MU 2xx/4xx Applied Lessons: Secondary Instrument (4)
  • MU 305 Business of Music (1)
  • MU 317 Orchestration (2)
  • MU 320 Form & Analysis (2)
  • MU 400 Senior Seminar (2)
  • MU 400 Directed Study: Score Study/Ensemble Literature (2)
  • MU 400 Directed Study: Conducting Lessons (2)
  • MU 441 Advanced Choral Conducing (1)
  • MU 442 Advanced Instrumental Conducting (1)

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue musical arts. It's common to declare a major in music 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.

This program is designed to be completed in four years. Washburn Career Engagement provides opportunities for resume development, mock-interviews, and career fairs. Be sure to connect with them well before graduation.

Graduates of this program now work as professional musicians, composers and recording engineers. Some now work in other industries. Graduates of this program also have gone to graduate school in music and business.

Set for Success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook

Opportunities

Perform, compose for, or conduct ensembles for community activities
Recordings, competitions, and conference presentations
Master classes, clinics, and seminars
Study abroad

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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