Bachelor of Music in Music

Music
Faculty & Staff
Ensembles
Auditions & Scholarships
Events
Summer Intensive: Kodály
News & Accomplishments

Where Musicians Become Leaders in Performance and Ingenuity

Unleash your creativity and gain the skills to thrive in today’s music industry with a Bachelor of Music in Music at EWU.

This professional music degree prepares you for a rewarding career in performance, pedagogy, studio teaching, and composition. (Note: A successful audition is required for admission.)

Our nationally accredited program is designed for students who are passionate about performance, studio teaching, composition, and all other aspects of the music industry. We provide the technical training you need to excel while giving you the freedom to explore diverse musical genres and styles.

You’ll graduate with the skills to succeed as an informed, responsible, and effective communicator—a true musician of the 21st Century. Throughout your journey, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from world-class faculty members who are active professional musicians.

Request Info Apply

 

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Music Major, Bachelor of Music (BM)

Grade Requirement for all majors offered by the Music Department: the minimum acceptable grade for any music course required for graduation (including transferred music courses) is ≥C.

Required Non-Credit Music Components
CONVOCATION AND RECITAL ATTENDANCE (must be repeated each term)
Junior Recital
Piano Proficiency
Required Music Core Courses
MUSC 101
& MUSC 102
& MUSC 103		MUSIC THEORY I
and MUSIC THEORY II
and MUSIC THEORY III		9
MUSC 104
& MUSC 105
& MUSC 106		AURAL SKILLS
and AURAL SKILLS II
and AURAL SKILLS III		3
MUSC 121
& MUSC 122		PIANO CLASS II FOR MAJORS
and PIANO CLASS III FOR MAJORS		2
MUSC 201
& MUSC 202
& MUSC 203		MUSIC THEORY IV
and MUSIC THEORY V
and MUSIC THEORY VI		9
MUSC 204
& MUSC 205		AURAL SKILLS IV
and AURAL SKILLS V		2
MUSC 244MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHERS2
or MUSC 293 STUDIO AS INSTRUMENT - COMPOSING WITH ELECTRONIC MEDIA
MUSC 250
& MUSC 251
& MUSC 252		MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE II
and MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE III		12
MUSC 310BASIC CONDUCTING2
MUSC 388PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC ((Satisfies university Global Studies Requirement))4
Applied Music Requirements–must be repeated12
INSTRUCTION ON VOICE OR INSTRUMENT
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
Major Music Ensemble Requirement Options–must be repeated24
MARCHING BAND
WIND ENSEMBLE
ORCHESTRA
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
CONCERT CHOIR
Choose One Concentration21-31
Composition Concentration - 24 credit concentration
COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUES
COMPOSITION LESSON
COUNTERPOINT
ADVANCED COMPOSITION LESSON
ADVANCED ANALYSIS
COMPOSITION
SENIOR RECITAL
Music Electives at the 300- or 400-level - 3 credits
Performance Concentration - 21-31 credit concentration
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
APPLIED INSTRUCTION ON INSTRUMENT OR VOICE
SENIOR RECITAL
Minor Music Ensemble Requirements–choose a minimum of two courses (will be repeated)
CONCERT JAZZ ORCHESTRA
REPERTORY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
COLLEGIANS
VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE
CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES
GUITAR ENSEMBLE
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
PIANO ENSEMBLE
POP COMBO
Performance Concentration Advising Track - Choose one option below
Instrumental Advising Track
PEDAGOGY FOR MUSICIANS
Piano Advising Track
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL KEYBOARD
PIANO PEDAGOGY I
PIANO PEDAGOGY II
ACCOMPANYING
KEYBOARD LITERATURE I
KEYBOARD LITERATURE II
PIANO PRACTICUM TEACHING
Vocal Advising track
DICTION FOR SINGERS I
DICTION FOR SINGERS II
FOREIGN LANGUAGE READING AND COMPREHENSION
VOCAL LITERATURE I
VOCAL LITERATURE II
VOCAL PEDAGOGY
Required Capstone
MUSC 490MUSIC SENIOR CAPSTONE4
Total Credits106-116

Sample Courses

MUSC 209. COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUES. 2 Credits.

Notes: may be repeated.
Pre-requisites: MUSC 204; Piano Proficiency Exam clearance.
The practical study of the techniques and devices of composition in the various primary forms.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 388. PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL MUSIC. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–global studies.
This course explores the role music plays in the formation of ethnic and national identities. By closely studying several contrasting music cultures, we see how music shapes attitudes toward self and other, serving to map territories that are both inclusive and exclusive, personal and cross-cultural. Skills developed in the course are analytical, critical thinking, listening, and writing.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 250. MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE I. 4 Credits.

Pre-requisites: MUSC 103.
Detailed study and analysis of music in Western civilization from its origin to modern times. The fall quarter covers antiquity through the Renaissance.

Catalog Listing

MUSC 409. COMPOSITION. 2 Credits.

Notes: may be repeated.
Pre-requisites: MUSC 209.
Students learn to organize musical ideas into logical forms and apply the skills learned to compose musical works for a broad variety of media.

Catalog Listing

Why Study Music at the Region's Polytechnic?

Get a hands-on education, real-world experience, and personalized support from faculty so you can launch your career with confidence.

Vibrant Music Community

Vibrant Music Community

Join clubs like Mariachi Las Águilas, ACDA Choir, and the EWU Marching Band.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Learn from musicians who actively perform at top regional venues.

Affordable Education

Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition and financial aid options to help you graduate debt-free.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Graduate prepared to take control of your career and thrive financially.

Passion-Driven Careers

Passion-Driven Careers

Follow your calling and compose your future in the music industry.

Program Highlights

  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work with artists, actors, writers, and poets to broaden your creative horizons.
  • Accredited Excellence: Earn a degree from a nationally accredited program known for its exceptional music education.
  • Cutting-Edge Tech: Keep pace with the changing industry using advanced music technology and state-of-the-art tools.
“I chose the EWU music program because of the world-class musicians who teach there. I knew I could trust them to become both a better musician and a more well-rounded person.” — Christian Skok '22

Composing Sound for Science

Jonathan Middleton, professor of Music Theory and Composition at EWU, reveals how translating data into music can reveal patterns and insights that traditional visual analysis might overlook.

His unconventional path—merging music and mathematics—demonstrates how pursuing even the most unexpected passions can spark groundbreaking innovations in how we understand and interpret the world.

Career Possibilities

  • Composer
  • Songwriter
  • Lyricist
  • Film/TV/Game Music Composer
  • Music Arranger
  • Orchestrator
  • Music Producer
  • Performer (e.g., Pianist, Guitarist, Vocalist)
  • Studio Musician

  • Video Game Composer
  • Commercial Jingle Writer
  • Music Editor (post-production)
  • Audio Director (for media projects)
  • Soundtrack Curator
  • Musical Theatre Composer
  • Music Director (for theatre or live events)
  • Dance Accompanist
  • Pit Musician

  • Music Teacher (private or in schools)
  • College Lecturer (Music Theory/Composition)
  • Workshop Clinician
  • Music Therapist (with additional certification)
  • Curriculum Developer for Music Education

  • Music Publisher
  • A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Representative
  • Music Licensing Specialist
  • Music Copyright Consultant
  • Music Business Manager
  • Royalty Analyst

  • Music Journalist
  • Music Critic
  • Music Historian
  • Author (music theory or composition books)
  • Collaborative Pianist
  • Vocal/Instrumental Coach
  • Choir/Band Arranger & Accompanist
  • Freelance Composer/Arranger
  • Music Production Studio Owner
  • Content Creator (e.g., YouTube, online courses)

  • Event Music Coordinator (e.g., weddings, corporate events)
  • Music Librarian
  • Talent Agent (for musicians or composers)
  • Music Consultant
  • Podcast Sound Designer

A Music BM degree at EWU gives you the skills and tools to create captivating music for concerts, film, video games, and more. You’ll dive into music theory, composition techniques, and orchestration while learning to harness the power of music technology and software to turn your ideas into reality.

This hands-on program sets you up for success in various fields, from media and performance to education and music production. Along the way, you’ll develop essential skills like creativity, problem-solving, and communication—qualities that are in high demand across industries.

With real-world experience and valuable industry connections, our graduates are ready to take on exciting careers in film scoring, music arranging, the music business, and other creative sectors.  

Explore your career possibilities in the following areas: 

Faculty

For more information about Music Composition, contact our faculty.

Jonathan Middleton

Professor
Composition
Photo of Jonathan Middleton
Music Building Room 209

Don Goodwin

Senior Lecturer, Director of Bands
Photo of Don Goodwin
Music Building Room 250
Meet More Faculty

Take the Next Step

The EWU Music Department awards an average of $150,000 in scholarships each year to help students pursue their dream of working in the music industry.

Request Info
Apply to EWU
Apply for Scholarships

Location:
Music Building
20 W Seventh St
Cheney, WA 99004

Contact:
E: jgraves@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2241

Collaborate and excel with exceptional musicians and artist-teachers in an inclusive academic environment. Our programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by faculty from the region’s dynamic arts community.

Request Info Events Scholarships

Handbook Recital Hall Request & Calendar

NASM Logo