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, perform in the magnificent Kincaid Concert Hall 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.
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.
Courses
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.
| Code | Title | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUS 128 | Theory of Music Laboratory I | 1 | View |
| MUS 129 | Theory of Music I | 3 | View |
| MUS 130 | Theory of Music Laboratory II | 1 | View |
| MUS 131 | Theory of Music II | 3 | View |
| MUS 140 | Introduction to Music (GT-AH1) | 3 | View |
| MUS 212 | Introduction to Music Technology | 1 | View |
| MUS 253 | Theory of Music Laboratory III | 1 | View |
| MUS 254 | Theory of Music III | 3 | View |
| MUS 255 | Theory of Music Laboratory IV | 1 | View |
| MUS 256 | Theory of Music IV | 3 | View |
| MUS 352 | History of Music I: Ancient to Baroque | 3 | View |
| MUS 353 | History of Music II: Classical to Modern | 3 | View |
| MUS 491 | Seminar in Research | 2 | View |
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.
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
- 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 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
- 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 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 15 for 2021. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Board, 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 3.0 or above (high school or college of transfer).
The applicant must fill out the application form found here (click). 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.
News & Research
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.
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.
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
Contact Information
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231