Music transcends all language and cultural boundaries. The study and practice of music turns students into sophisticated artists who are well-prepared to apply their knowledge to a variety of fields and industries.
Program Overview
Immerse yourself in the universal language of music.
Music is an interdisciplinary art that combines theory, history, composition and performance. To master these disciplines also requires the integration of technical skills, creativity and analytical thinking. At Western, you can take advantage of our low student-teacher ratio and work closely with faculty musicians in classes, ensembles and private lessons.
In the program, you’ll train in a welcoming and supportive environment and master your own techniques through diverse performance opportunities. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the role of music’s history and how it impacts past and present cultures. Through the dynamic blend of music theory, history, mentorship and performance skills, you’ll acquire the tools needed for a creative career as a teacher, professional musician or music director. 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).
A passion for music
Music students work closely with faculty musicians in classes, ensembles and private lessons to acquire musicianship skills, develop performance abilities, learn about music’s role in past and present cultures, and gain the tools needed for lifelong teaching and learning.
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
A minimum of 58 credits is required, including the 28-credit Musicianship Core:
All Music majors require the 28-credit Musicianship Core, 14 or 21 credits from the Performance Curriculum (depending upon the emphasis), the six credits (or the equivalent) of foreign language (not required for the Music Education Emphasis), 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Musicianship 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 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 352 | History of Music I: Ancient to Baroque | 3 |
| MUS 353 | History of Music II: Classical to Modern | 3 |
| MUS 400 | Senior Recital / Senior Project | 2 |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
21 credits from the Performance Curriculum (seven credits in Major Performance Organizations, four credits in Small Ensembles, eight credits in Private Lessons, the two-credit MUS 250 Beginning Conducting: Choral and Instrumental, the one-credit MUS 212 Introduction to Music Technology; students must be registered for a major performing organization every semester in residence), three credits of Music electives, Concert and Convocation Attendance, six credits of foreign language, Performance Requirement (MUS 400 Senior Recital / Senior Project, or MUS 499 Internship in Music), and Piano Proficiency.
The Performance Curriculum consists of courses in Conducting, Major Performing Organizations, Small Ensembles, and Private Lessons.
The specific major performing organization required is determined by major instrument or voice.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting | ||
| MUS 250 | Beginning Conducting: Choral and Instrumental | 2 |
| Major Performance Organizations | ||
| courses may be repeated | ||
| MUS 101 | Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 102 | Symphonic Band | 1 |
| MUS 104 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| MUS 301 | Orchestra | 1 |
| MUS 302 | Symphonic Band | 1 |
| MUS 304 | Concert Choir | 1 |
| Small Ensembles | ||
| courses may be repeated | ||
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 1 |
| MUS 105 | Opera | 1 |
| MUS 305 | Opera | 1 |
| Private Lessons | ||
| courses may be repeated | ||
| MUS 180 | Piano | 1-2 |
| MUS 181 | Organ | 1-2 |
| MUS 182 | Voice | 1-2 |
| MUS 183 | Violin | 1-2 |
| 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 | 1-2 |
| MUS 197 | Special Topics | 1-2 |
| MUS 198 | Percussion | 1-2 |
| MUS 380 | Piano | 1-2 |
| MUS 381 | Organ | 1-2 |
| MUS 382 | Voice | 1-2 |
| MUS 383 | Violin | 1-2 |
| MUS 384 | Viola | 1-2 |
| MUS 385 | Cello | 1-2 |
| MUS 386 | Contra Bass | 1-2 |
| MUS 387 | Flute | 1-2 |
| MUS 388 | Oboe | 1-2 |
| MUS 389 | Clarinet | 1-2 |
| MUS 390 | Bassoon | 1-2 |
| MUS 391 | Saxophone | 1-2 |
| MUS 392 | Trumpet | 1-2 |
| MUS 393 | French Horn | 1-2 |
| MUS 394 | Trombone | 1-2 |
| MUS 395 | Baritone | 1-2 |
| MUS 396 | Tuba | 1-2 |
| MUS 398 | Percussion | 1-2 |
Foreign Language
Six credits of foreign language are required in the Music Emphasis and Business Emphasis. This requirement may be fulfilled by passing the appropriate CLEP test if sufficient skill has been attained.
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.
Performance Requirements for Majors
In order to qualify for graduation, all Music majors must pass specific levels of performance as judged by a jury of Music faculty. All Music Education majors must also present a senior recital (MUS 400 Senior Recital / Senior Project). Majors in the Music Emphasis and the Business Emphasis may elect MUS 400 Senior Recital / Senior Project, or MUS 499 Internship in Music. Please contact the Music Department for exact requirements.
Piano Proficiency
All students with a Music Major or Minor, with the exception of 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.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 180-198 | Private Lessons | 1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| Credits | 2.5-3 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 180-198 | Private Lessons | 1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 5.5-6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 180-198 | Private Lessons | 1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| Gen Ed | Natural Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 5.5-6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 101 or MUS 102 or MUS 104 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 180-198 | Private Lessons | 1 |
| MUS 121 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Natural Sciences w/lab | 4 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| Credits | 12.5-13 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
0.5-1 |
| MUS 380-398 | Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| Elective | Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| Credits | 8-10 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
0.5-1 |
| MUS 380-398 | Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Natural Sciences w/lab | 4 |
| Elective | Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| Credits | 12-14 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 380-398 | Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 250 | Beginning Conducting: Choral and Instrumental | 2 |
| Elective | MUS Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| Credits | 10.5-12 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUS 301 or MUS 302 or MUS 304 |
Orchestra or Symphonic Band or Concert Choir |
1 |
| MUS 380-398 | Private Lessons | 1-2 |
| MUS 321 | Instrumental and Vocal Chamber Music | 0.5-1 |
| MUS 400 | Senior Recital / Senior Project | 2 |
| Elective | Elective (upper division) | 3 |
| Credits | 7.5-9 | |
| Total Credits | 64-73 | |
Spotlight
Randi Andersen Tolme
Alumni
"I believe in the importance of higher education and in the liberal arts, and couldn't have chosen a better place to pursue both!"
Kellie Egging
Alumni
“Western has a mixture of things I’m passionate about—music, sports and the environment.”
Amelia Campbell
Student
“I always wanted to live in the mountains since I was little, and when I found out about Western's vocal department and did a little research, it felt like the right place to call home."
Careers
Career preparation starts your first year at Western and is the primary focus of every degree.
Visit Career Services in Library 120 or online to discover your interests, define your goals, and land the career of your dreams.
The data below is automatically collected by Burning Glass Technologies, a firm that sources job market data and provides analytics. 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 freshman 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 freshmen.
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
Taking the stage
Music students perform in the inspiring Kincaid Concert Hall and reach their full potential through diverse performance opportunities and one-on-one coaching and preparation.
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