To succeed in today’s evolving music industry requires more than just talent. A comprehensive understanding of the business of music will open up the door to a career as a music publisher, marketer or booking agent.
Program Overview
Sharpen your understanding of how the music business works.
The Music Industry emphasis will immerse you in the performance, theory and interdisciplinary training of a traditional Music degree, while adding critical coursework needed to navigate the business world. In the program, you’ll gain a critical understanding of music industry ethics, contracts, copyright regulations, marketing techniques and more. Whether your goal is to manage your own label or become a concert promoter, you’ll be prepared to enter the complex and evolving music industry with the business acumen to succeed.
Students in Western’s music programs will also be afforded the opportunity to garner group and solo performance experience in the Kincaid Concert Hall, which offers a schedule of annual concerts open to student, faculty, staff and community member attendance.
The WCU Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The business behind the music
Tap into the world of music by combining your artistic skill with business acumen. Learn about contracts, copyright and marketing in the Music Industry emphasis.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
Program Requirements
The Music Industry program provides a well-balanced experience for musicians who wish to hone their vocal or instrumental abilities while gaining valuable skills in music business, technology, and production. This major emphasis prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in sought-after fields such as studio recording, live sound reinforcement, electronic composition, artist management, the non-profit sector, business development, and audio production for media.
A minimum of 67 credits is required including the 47-credit Music Industry Core:
The Music Industry emphasis requires the 47-credit Music Industry Core, 20 credits from the Performance Curriculum, and Concert and Convocation Attendance Course (must be taken each semester of residence with a “Satisfactory” grade a minimum of six semesters). A minimum grade of “C” is required in all Music courses counted toward the major. To qualify for graduation all Music majors must meet Performance Requirements and Piano Proficiency.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Music Industry Core | ||
| MUS 128 | Theory of Music Laboratory I | 1 |
| MUS 129 | Theory of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 130 | Theory of Music Laboratory II | 1 |
| MUS 131 | Theory of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 140 | Introduction to Music (GT-AH1) | 3 |
| MUS 212 | Introduction to Music Technology | 1 |
| MUS 245 | History of Rock and Roll | 3 |
| MUS 253 | Theory of Music Laboratory III | 1 |
| MUS 254 | Theory of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 255 | Theory of Music Laboratory IV | 1 |
| MUS 256 | Theory of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 313 | Music Production | 3 |
| MUS 400 | Senior Recital / Senior Project | 2 |
| MUS 412 | Music Technology II | 3 |
| MUS 413 | Music Production II | 3 |
| Music business courses chosen with your advisor | 10 | |
| COM 119 | Introduction to Film | 3 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Performance Organizations | ||
| 8 credits of the following as determined by instrument or voice. Courses may be repeated as needed. | 8 | |
MUS 101 | Orchestra | |
MUS 102 | Symphonic Band | |
MUS 104 | Concert Choir | |
MUS 301 | Orchestra | |
MUS 302 | Symphonic Band | |
MUS 304 | Concert Choir | |
| Small Ensembles | ||
| 4 credits of the following as determined by instrument or voice. Courses may be repeated as needed. | 4 | |
MUS 105 | Opera | |
MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | |
MUS 305 | Opera | |
MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | |
| Private Lessons | ||
| 8 credits of the following as determined by instrument or voice. Courses may be repeated as needed. | 8 | |
MUS 180 | Piano | |
MUS 181 | Organ | |
MUS 182 | Voice | |
MUS 183 | Violin | |
| MUS 184 | Viola | 1-2 |
| MUS 185 | Cello | 1-2 |
| MUS 186 | Contra Bass | 1-2 |
| MUS 187 | Flute | 1-2 |
| MUS 188 | Oboe | 1-2 |
| MUS 189 | Clarinet | 1-2 |
| MUS 190 | Bassoon | 1-2 |
| MUS 191 | Saxophone | 1-2 |
| MUS 192 | Trumpet | 1-2 |
| MUS 193 | French Horn | 1-2 |
| MUS 194 | Trombone | 1-2 |
| MUS 195 | Baritone | 1-2 |
MUS 196 | Tuba-Private Lessons | |
MUS 197 | Special Topics | |
MUS 198 | Percussion | |
MUS 380 | Piano | |
| MUS 381 | Organ | 1-2 |
MUS 382 | Voice | |
MUS 383 | Violin | |
MUS 384 | Viola | |
MUS 385 | Cello | |
MUS 386 | Contra Bass | |
MUS 388 | Oboe | |
MUS 387 | Flute | |
MUS 388 | Oboe | |
MUS 389 | Clarinet | |
MUS 390 | Bassoon | |
MUS 391 | Saxophone | |
MUS 392 | Trumpet | |
MUS 393 | French Horn | |
MUS 394 | Trombone | |
MUS 395 | Baritone | |
MUS 396 | Tuba | |
MUS 398 | Percussion | |
| Total Credits | 33-46 | |
Concert and Convocation Attendance
All Music majors must take MUS 000 Concert and Convocation Attendance each semester in residence. Six semesters of MUS 000 Concert and Convocation Attendance with a grade of "satisfactory" are required of all Music majors prior to graduation.
The Performance Curriculum consists of courses in Major Performing Organizations, Small Ensembles, and Private Lessons. The specific performing organizations required are determined by instrument or voice.
Performance Requirements for Majors
To qualify for graduation, all Music majors must pass specific levels of performance as judged by a jury of Music faculty. Majors in the Music Industry emphasis may elect MUS 400 Senior Recital / Senior Project, or a qualifying MUS 499 Internship in Music. Please contact the Music Department for exact requirements.
Piano Proficiency
All students with a Music Major or Minor, except for the Music Technology Minor, must pass the piano proficiency examination by the end of the required theory sequence. The two-semester sequence of MUS 173 Piano class and MUS 174 Piano Class may be taken for elective credits to prepare for the exam. The specific courses are not required courses and student assessed to have sufficient piano background may prepare for the exam independently. Please contact the Music Department for exact requirements.
Partner Courses
To graduate with the Music Industry emphasis, students must earn 10 credits of music business courses selected in consultation with their advisor. At least 6 of these credits must be considered upper division. To facilitate this, Western has an agreement with the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma to offer a sequence of four music business courses online.
Degree Plan
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ENG 102 | Academic Writing (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| HWTR 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| MATH | prescribed MATH course | 3 |
| MUS 000 | Concert and Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 100 | Fundamentals of Music (GT-AH1) (if needed) | 3 |
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 140 | Introduction to Music (GT-AH1) | 3 |
| MUS 173 | Piano class | 1 |
| MUS | MUS 180-198 (Private Lessons) | 1 |
| Credits | 16.5-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Gen Ed | General Education (Area I) | 3 |
| MUS 000 | Concert and Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 128 | Theory of Music Laboratory I | 1 |
| MUS 129 | Theory of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 174 | Piano Class | 1 |
| MUS | MUS 180-198 (Private Lessons) | 1 |
| MUS 245 | History of Rock and Roll | 3 |
| Credits | 13.5-14 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 202 | Academic Writing and Inquiry (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| Gen Ed | General Education (Area II) | 4 |
| MUS 000 | Concert and Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 130 | Theory of Music Laboratory II | 1 |
| MUS 131 | Theory of Music II | 3 |
| MUS | MUS 180-198 (Private Lessons) | 1 |
| MUS 212 | Introduction to Music Technology | 1 |
| Credits | 14.5-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Gen Ed | General Education (Area II) | 4 |
| MUS 000 | Concert and Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS | MUS 180-198 (Private Lessons) | 1 |
| MUS 253 | Theory of Music Laboratory III | 1 |
| MUS 254 | Theory of Music III | 3 |
| MUS 313 | Music Production | 3 |
| Credits | 13.5-14 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 119 | Introduction to Film | 3 |
| MUS 000 | Concert and Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 255 | Theory of Music Laboratory IV | 1 |
| MUS 256 | Theory of Music IV | 3 |
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS | MUS 380-398 (Private Lessons) | 1 |
| MUS | Music Business course chosen with advisor | 2 |
| Credits | 11.5-12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Gen Ed | General Education (Area I) | 3 |
| Gen Ed | General Education (Area III) | 3 |
| Elective | Upper division elective course | 3 |
| MUS 000 | Concert and Convocation Attendance | 0 |
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS | MUS 380-398 (Private Lessons) | 1 |
| MUS | Music Business course chosen with advisor | 2 |
| MUS 413 | Music Production II | 3 |
| Credits | 16.5-17 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 151 or PHYS 115 |
Introduction to Mass Media (GT-AH2) or Physics of Music |
3 |
or BUAD elective |
||
or CS elective |
||
| Elective | Music elective course | 3 |
| Elective | Upper division elective course | 3 |
| Elective | Upper division Music Business course chosen with advisor | 3 |
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS | MUS 380-398 (Private Lessons) | |
| Credits | 13.5-14 | |
| Spring | ||
| Gen Ed | General Education (Area I) | 3 |
| Elective | Upper division elective course | 3 |
| Elective | Upper division Music Business course chosen with advisor | 3 |
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS | MUS 380-398 (Private Lessons) | |
| MUS 400 or MUS 499 |
Senior Recital / Senior Project or Internship in Music |
2 |
| PHYS 115 | Physics of Music | 3 |
or BUAD elective |
||
| or CS elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18.5-19 | |
| Total Credits | 118-122 | |
Careers
Take the first steps toward your dream career.
Career preparation is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling role in hundreds of professional fields after graduation.
The data is automatically collected by Lightcast, a firm that sources job market data. The statistics illustrate general trends in U.S. careers, but do not precisely represent every job and salary.
Scholarships
Eligibility
- Both resident and non-resident students
- Must be a full-time student majoring in one of the areas of music offered by the Western’s Music Department
Description
This scholarship is provided by the Alumni of Western Colorado University Music Department.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: The Music Department
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Music majors or minors
- Demonstrate financial need
- High GPA
- Composition ability
Description
This scholarship is provided by Lisa’s father, Mr. Jim Harmon.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Jim Harmon and the Music Department Faculty
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time juniors or seniors in Music who are recommended by one or more Western Music faculty
- Award is based on musical ability, academic achievement, leadership and involvement in college and community affairs
Description
This scholarship is provided by the family and friends to perpetuate the memory of Leora Annin, who was a life-long friend of Western Colorado University.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: The Music Department
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Must have financial need
- Minimum of a GPA 3.0
- Preference given to a student who plays brass instruments (this is not absolutely necessary if there are not enough candidates)
- Extracurricular involvement in community orchestra or other programs that perform in the community
- Desires to enter the field of music education.
Description
The scholarship is provided by an anonymous donor.
Award depends on available funds.
Selected by: Western Colorado University Music Faculty
Application
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
Winner of the Damson Music Performance Competition. Contestants perform for 20 minutes (5 min. memorized) on Damson recital. Must be Music majors who are enrolled in at least 12 credit-hours at Western.
Description
This scholarship is provided by Mr. Damson’s daughter, Mary Kay Arbuthnot, and family.
$500 cash prize awarded after student performs a solo recital within one year of winning contest.
Selected by: Music Faculty members.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Must be a full-time Western student
- Must demonstrate community involvement with the Gunnison and/or Crested Butte schools or a youth music program
- Must demonstrate participation in a musical program, such as Choir, Orchestra, etc.
- Must demonstrate academic achievement with a GPA of at least 2.7
- Preference would be to students demonstrating a financial need
Description
The David and Steven MacAllister Fund has been established by the MacAllister Foundation, to give unrestricted support to the Western State College Department of Music at the discretion of the Chair of the Music Department, with a preference for scholarships and/or the Summer Music Program. This fund honors David and Steven MacAllister, beloved grandson and son of Jack and Marilyn MacAllister, whose lives ended much too soon and are dearly missed by their family.
Award depends on funds available.
Application
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
In addition, recipients of the scholarship funding must submit a letter to the MacAllister Foundation detailing their biographical information, music interests and future goals.
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- 2.5 GPA or higher
- Must have been accepted to Western
- Must be a declared Music major
- Must be a Colorado resident
Description
This scholarship is provided by the family members of Mabel de Koevend.
Awards depend on funds available.
Selected by: Western Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Scholarship may be renewable.
Eligibility
- Full-time Western students with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Preference will be given to voice students contributing to ensembles followed by students with an interest in theory and composition students. Students do not have to be a music major or minor.
Description
The Harvey Harriman Memorial Fund has been established by the Harriman family and friends to provide scholarship assistance to Western State Colorado University students. If there are no students to receive the scholarship, the fund may be used for unrestricted support for the Music Department. This scholarship serves to honor Harvey Harriman who taught in the Music Department for 39 years. His dedication to the study of music and to his students is a legacy that deserves to be celebrated.
Award depends on funds available.
Application
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time students with a declared or a plan to declare a Music major
- Minimum 3.0 GPA or higher
- Proven music abilities, skills, and promise as observed by Western Music faculty
- Must participate in musical organizations associated with their major performance medium
Description
This scholarship is provided by Dorothy Dye Heiny to celebrate her late husband Lloyd.
Depending on funds available.
Selected By: Western Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time students who are Music majors
- Obtained a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
- Must be an active participant in the Music Department and/or Art department organizations
Description
This scholarship is provided by Western alumni Shirley Killian (B.A. in Education, 1940) and her late husband, David (B.A. Music Education, 1939) and M.A. (Education, 1946).
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Western Colorado University Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time students at Western
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have musical ability and promise
- Must be a full-time participant in the Symphonic Band or Orchestra
Description
This scholarship is provided by John and Georgie Kincaid and friends.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Western Music Faculty.
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility:
- Must be a full-time student
- Must be pursuing a major or minor in art, music or the performing arts.
- Must have financial need
Description:
This scholarship is provided by Carol Buswell in honor of her husband Lloyd Buswell, nicknamed “Buzz”who earned his BA in Industrial Arts and Education from 1974 -1978.
Award depends on funds available
Application:
Please complete and submit Western’s Common Scholarship Application
Eligibility
- Music majors who will have obtained sophomore or junior status
- Must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5
- Participate in performing organization or music activity
- Preference shall be given to students with a vocal music emphasis
Description
This scholarship is provided by Ed and Marguerite Rule.
Award depends on availability of funds.
Selected by: Western Colorado University Music Department Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time students with a major or minor in Music
- Preference given to incoming freshman who have been accepted, however all may apply
- Students must be recommended by one or more members of the Western Music faculty
Description
This scholarship is provided by Wayne Milheim, a long time friend and philanthropist to the Western Colorado University Music Department, who received his B.M. degree from the Chicago Conservancy of Music in 1950 and his M.A. from Western in 1966.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Western Colorado University Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time student
- Vocal music major
- Must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
Description
This scholarship is provided by her husband, other family members and friends to perpetuate her memory. Marjorie Porter, a graduate of Western Colorado University, was involved in the College and Gunnison community for more than fifty years. A talented musician, writer, and artist, she maintained a life-long interest in vocal music performance.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: The Music Department
Application
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time students
- Vocal majors who are outstanding Western Colorado University sophomore or junior students
- Must demonstrate unique talents in voice performance
Description
This scholarship is provided by the family and friends as a memorial to Jean who participated in and supported a variety of choral and concert activities in Gunnison for many years.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Western Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Western students pursuing instruction in piano or organ. Must be a full-time student.
Description
A bequest in Miss Redding’s estate and from gifts from former students, colleagues, and friends. Edwyl Redding was one of Western’s most loved music professors. She joined the faculty in 1918 and for the next 42 years she played a significant role in the development of the University. Professor and administrator, Ms. Redding’s legacy to Western include two musical compositions, “Alma Mater – Western Colorado University of Colorado” and “Ode To Western,” the official hymn of the University.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: The Music Department
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Be a full-time student at Western Colorado University
- Be a music major with preference to classical bowed strings, and a secondary preference to classical keyboards, voice or music composition
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Must participate in private music lessons and an appropriate large ensemble
Description
The scholarship is provided by the family of Rodney and Anne Ash. Rodney was the former Chair of the Music Department.
Award depends on available funds.
Selected by: Western Colorado University Music Faculty
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time Art students
- Have completed at least two semesters (sophomores, juniors, or seniors)
- Have and maintain academic eligibility with a GPA of 3.0 or greater
Description
The Mabel de Koevend Memorial Scholarship has been established to provide scholarship assistance to Western Colorado University Music and Art students. This scholarship was established by members of her family to celebrate the memory of Mabel de Koevend.
Application
Contact the Art Department at 970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time Western student
- Sophomore standing or higher
- Full-time participant in Symphonic Band, Orchestra, or Concert Choir
- Recipient must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Must have musical ability and promise
- Financial need will be considered
Description
This scholarship is provided by Les Turner.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Western Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Colorado resident
- Full-time entering (freshman or transfer) student
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- ACT 20+/SAT 950+
Description
This scholarship is provided by Colorado General Assembly.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected By: Western Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Eligibility
- Full-time student at Western
- Must be majoring in and dedicated to music
- Recipient must maintain a GPA of 3.2
- Demonstrates financial need
Description
This scholarship is provided by the family and friends of Charles R. Walker Jr.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Western’s Music Faculty.
Application:
Complete the Music Scholarship Application Form
970.943.3093 | Quigley Hall 202
Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.
Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.
- This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
- Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
- GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).
Due date has been extended to April 1 for 2022. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).
Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:
- This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
- Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
- The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
- The admission application fee is waived (a $30 value).
- GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).
The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.
Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.
For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.
Description
The Western Presidential Honors Scholarships, established by the Jack and Marilyn MacAllister Foundation shall be an elite class of scholarships awarded to Western’s highest achieving and most deserving students, celebrating the ideals of academic excellence and service to the campus and community. Recipients of the Scholarships will be members of the Western Colorado University Honors Program.
There are eight Presidential Honors Scholarships of $2500 each. Each year two new Presidential Honors Scholarships will be awarded to two incoming first-year students.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
Get Involved
Join a Music Ensemble at Western
- Band: Symphony and Varsity.
- Vocal: Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.
- Jazz: Groups include the large Jazz Ensemble, “High Altitude” Dixieland Combo and Modern Jazz Combo.
- Orchestra: Performs together regularly as a string ensemble, full orchestra and a small chamber group. Orchestra and Choir combine together to perform major works as well.
- Other: Instrumental ensembles are open to all interested performers and include Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, String, Jazz Ensembles and Flute Choir, as well as additional small ensembles.
Work Study and Internship Opportunities
- Recording Technicians
- Social Media Coordinator
- Building Monitors
- Music Production Apprenticeship
- Radio Station Support
Making music
Western Music students have the opportunity to join various ensembles and bands including the band, orchestra or instrumental ensembles such as brass, woodwind, percussion, jazz, string and flute choir, as well as additional small ensembles.
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Music Department
Program Director
Kenneth Todd, M.M.Department of Music Program Director, Senior Lecturer in Music, Director of Orchestral Activities, Director of Applied String Studios
Administrative Assistant
Anna FlynnAdministrative Assistant
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231