School of Music Curricula

The School of Music is recognized for its emphasis on solo and ensemble performance. Students study primary and secondary instruments with a faculty of gifted artist/ teachers. At Illinois Wesleyan University, this relationship blends emerging and established talents in a unique environment.  From their first-year through their senior year, students are able to participate in a wide range of performing experiences seldom available in schools of comparable size.

Degree Programs Offered

Bachelor of Music in Performance
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Music in Composition
Bachelor of Music Education
Music Minor
Additional Information

Bachelor of Music in Performance (Instrumental, Percussion, Piano, String, or Voice)

This degree is designed for students committed to the achievement of excellence in the field of performance.  Students pursuing this degree major in one of the following performance venues: piano, voice, string instrument, wind instruments, or percussion.  This degree program also includes extensive studies in music literature and pedagogical techniques.  Degree requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Music

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music is a program designed for students who wish to complete a general study of music within a liberal arts curriculum.  Course work and experiences are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop basic musicianship skills, performance skills, and to engage in a broad study of musical repertoire.  Degree requirements

Bachelor of Music in Composition

This degree program has strong emphasis on private composition study as well as other areas of critical importance to composers: applied instrumental and vocal instruction, music history, theory, conducting, and music technology / computer music.  The program is aimed at developing a young composer's aesthetic sensitivity, practical skills and inner ear in ways that will make it possible for him or her to create music of significance and meaning.  Degree requirements

Bachelor of Music Education (with concentrations in vocal or instrumental music)

This degree prepares the student to teach in public schools through professional coursework plus observation and participation in school music programs during the sophomore and junior years.  A full semester of directed teaching in both elementary and secondary schools is a feature of the senior year.  The degree carries with it certification to teach music in grades K-12 in the State of Illinois.  Degree requirements

Music Minor

The music minor concentration is intended for qualified students who have a background in music and who wish to complete a secondary concentration in this area to complement their studies in the liberal arts.  The minor concentration includes studies in the performance of music, development of basic musicianship skills, and opportunities to explore selected musical literature.  Degree requirements

Additional Information

The School of Music also offers double major/double degree possibilities and other academic programs.

Information about Academic Policies and Procedures