Study and perform with the best
Our award-winning undergraduate and graduate-level voice and opera programs provide the rigor of conservatory-quality training in a nurturing environment. Singers study with internationally-renowned faculty, master clinicians, and guest artists, preparing them to be competitive throughout the industry.
The School of Music, housed in Duerksen Fine Arts Center, has developed programs in music education, music performance, pedagogy, history/ literature, conducting, and theory/composition which are significant in size and quality and are highly acclaimed throughout the nation. In part, this is due to Wichita State's urban setting, affording cultural diversity with excellent opportunities for faculty and students.
Performers of voice may pursue one of three degrees: Bachelor of Music Education, which prepares students to teach in the public schools; Bachelor of Music, which prepares students for a professional singing and/or private teaching career; or Bachelor of Arts in Music, with an emphasis on liberal arts courses. All of these programs combine performance with musical development and include the general education components of university studies. In addition to the regular courses, the voice faculty also offer specialized classes.
Music performance graduates of Wichita State have the basic credentials for graduate-level performance programs and successful performance careers. Music education graduates are prepared for teaching positions in preschools to high schools. Graduates with the BA have a generalist degree, combining a music emphasis with a background in traditional liberal arts.
Performance Opportunities
Both individual performance skills and ensemble experience are central to the voice program at Wichita State University. The School of Music offers an excellent variety of performance opportunities through a wide range of large and small ensembles. These include four choirs, two concert bands, a symphony orchestra, a jazz ensemble, and athletic bands.
Because of the close relationship between the University and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, music students are not only able to hear world-class artists perform throughout the year, but are often given the opportunity to meet and play for them in masterclass situations.
Music Faculty
Faculty members in the School of Music are artist-teachers who have significant teaching and professional playing experience. Each full time voice faculty member is a nationally recognized musician in their own right and frequently appear as guest artists, guest conductors and clinicians throughout Kansas and the United States. Their successful careers span all facets of the professional world. The voice faculty at Wichita State are committed to each individual student and are interested in personal music development.
Admission and Auditions
At Wichita State, all incoming freshmen and transfer students are required to audition for admittance into the School of Music. All Kansas high school graduates are eligible to apply for admission into the brass programs. Applicants must have adequate performance backgrounds. The audition will decide placement within the selected program. Transfer students must satisfy music performance and academic expectations at the time of transfer.
Undergraduate and Graduate audition requirements may be found here.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available and include out-of-state tuition waivers.
Graduate Assistantship Information
Related Opportunities
There are many work-related opportunities in the city of Wichita for students to earn extra income and gain valuable experience as musicians and teachers. They serve as private instructors, solo performers, members of jazz and pop ensembles.
Students are encouraged to participate in organizations such as Collegiate Music Educators National Conference and Student Music Teachers Association, as well as Sigma Alpha Iota, Mu Phi Epsilon, Kappa Kappa Psi, or Tau Beta Sigma.
