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The School of Music, housed in Duerksen Fine Arts Center, offers robust programs in music education, performance, pedagogy, history and literature, conducting, and theory/composition. These programs are significant in both size and quality and have earned acclaim nationwide. This distinction is due in part to Wichita State鈥檚 urban setting, which provides cultural diversity and excellent opportunities for faculty and students.
Students earning the Bachelor of Music degree in theory and/or composition typically pursue one of two career paths:
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Graduate study leading to advanced degrees required for teaching at the college or university level.
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Professional work as a composer in areas such as:
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Orchestration and arranging
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Freelance composition
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Music copying and computer graphics in music
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Music publishing and editing
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Children鈥檚 music composition
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Music theory and aural skills tutoring
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Commercial music for advertising, film, television and live theater
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Music students gain a deep familiarity with musical literature through specialized courses and access to listening facilities in the music library, located in Jardine Hall and staffed by a music librarian. Students engage with a broad range of theory and music history courses that explore all periods and styles. Both private and group instruction in music composition are available, and special tutorial services are offered.
Students in theory and composition frequently participate in the New Voices Festival. All students have opportunities to grow musically through applied instruction and ensemble participation. Available ensembles include four choirs, two concert bands, a symphony orchestra, a jazz ensemble and athletic bands.
Thanks to Wichita State鈥檚 close relationship with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, students regularly hear world-class artists in concert and often interact with them in masterclass settings.
Faculty in the School of Music are artist-teacher-scholars with significant professional training and experience. Their careers span all facets of the music profession, and they are deeply committed to each student鈥檚 individual musical development. The composition faculty, in particular, focus on helping students nurture and refine their creative voice.
Related Opportunities
The City of Wichita offers many work-related opportunities for students to gain experience
and earn income as musicians and teachers.
