COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance with an Instrumental Emphasis at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and is designed for students seeking advanced professional training as instrumental performers. In addition to completing university general education requirements and College of Fine Arts requirements, students undertake an intensive curriculum focused on performance excellence, musicianship, music scholarship, and professional development. The program includes 28 credit hours of applied music study, with extensive one-on-one instruction in a primary instrument and piano proficiency coursework to build comprehensive musical skills. Students complete a rigorous music core covering musicianship, aural skills, listening development, and professional music studies, providing a strong foundation for advanced artistic growth. Musicology electives expose students to diverse musical traditions, jazz history, aesthetics, global music cultures, identity in music, and popular music studies, while theory and composition electives allow exploration of areas such as jazz improvisation, composition, orchestration, music technology, counterpoint, analysis, and contemporary musical practices. Specialized performance requirements include arranging or orchestration studies, conducting courses, advanced score reading, and pedagogy coursework tailored to the student’s instrumental area, such as strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, or other instrumental specialties. Ensemble participation is a major component of the degree, providing extensive real-world performance experience through orchestras, bands, chamber groups, and other performing ensembles. Students are also required to participate in recital attendance activities and complete both junior and senior recitals, demonstrating their artistic growth, technical mastery, and readiness for professional performance careers. Open electives allow additional academic flexibility and opportunities for further specialization. Wichita State’s commitment to applied learning ensures students gain valuable practical experience through performances, masterclasses, collaborations, and community engagement opportunities before graduation. Graduates are well prepared for careers as solo performers, orchestral musicians, chamber musicians, military band members, studio musicians, freelance artists, and private instructors. The degree also serves as excellent preparation for graduate study in performance, conducting, music education, composition, musicology, and related fields. Through intensive artistic training, faculty mentorship, and extensive performance opportunities, the program equips students with the technical expertise, musical maturity, and professional skills needed to succeed in competitive musical environments at regional, national, and international levels.