On this page:
You can harness the power of music and its ability to express and communicate while studying music at Wright State. You will develop knowledge, technical skill, and the use of technology in our multifaceted curriculum. After graduation, pursue a career as a performer, composer, arranger, teacher, cultural administrator, or community leader. Graduates of Wright State’s music programs have proven successful in all of these fields. Choose a Bachelor of Arts program, add a minor to your current major, or continue on to graduate work and earn your Master of Music in music education or performance.
Our graduates work as and are employed by:
The Center for Liberal Arts Student Success (CLASS) helps you complete your degree and achieve success after college. CLASS offers the following workforce development services:
Margaret Erin, who graduated magna cum laude from Wright State, directs and plays recorder and viola da gamba with Wind in the Woods Early Music Ensemble. She started this group in 1990. Under her direction, Wind in the Woods has played throughout southwest Ohio and beyond.
View the Bachelor of Arts in Music program information, degree requirements, and graduation planning strategy in the Academic Catalog.
The path to becoming a music major is different than for other majors. The information below will guide you through the process of becoming a School of Fine and Performing Arts student. This process is necessary for all students who apply to the School of Fine and Performing Arts regardless of your desired degree program.
Interpret music of master composers by looking for emotions and expressions behind the notes. Learn how to perform music in a communicative and meaningful way. See how others have found success at Wright State.
"Studying abroad, an experience of a life time."
"Studying at Wright State University has been one of the highlights of my life."
"I am inspired by, and have learned a lot from my professor and fellow-students. Most importantly, I have acquired much knowledge in interpreting music of master composers by looking for emotions and expressions behind the notes, and have learned how to perform music in a communicative and meaningful way."
"I am proud to say that I have made an excellent decision in coming to study at Wright State University."
— Peggy Lau, Piano Performance Major from Macau; 2008 Concerto-Aria Night winner;
Soloist with WSU Symphony Orchestra in Chopin’s Piano Concerto #2 in F minor, March 3, 2009
Review Wright State University international admission requirements.
As a music student, several sources of financial aid are available to you.
Music scholarships are awarded initially on the basis of two criteria: (1) excellence in an applied music audition, and (2) demonstration of individual potential to develop performance skills. These scholarships are not based on need but are primarily talent-based. Auditions for continuing students are held each spring for the following academic year
Music scholarships may be renewed each semester for up to four years. Scholarships range from $500 a year to full tuition. Less than 1/3 of all music students are on music scholarships. Please contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts at 937-775-2346 for more information.
Academic Requirements
Every semester the student must:
The student must study applied music for 2 or 4 credits per semester in the applied music area which awarded the scholarship until degree requirements have been met (an exception to this requirement may be made during the semester of student teaching for music education majors).
The student must progress satisfactorily in applied music (no retentions). In extraordinary circumstances, the Applied Board, which awarded a scholarship, may grant an exception to this policy.
The School of Fine and Performing Arts cannot offer music talent scholarships to transfer students without a signed release from the current institution.
NASM Code of Ethics Article IV, section 3 (DOCX) articulates this accreditation ruling. Please see the School of Fine and Performing Arts chair if you have questions.
Applications need to be filed with the appropriate agency. Enrollment Services (RaiderConnect) will supply the necessary forms and assist in their completion.
Community Music Division (CMD) is a program in the Music Program that allows music students and faculty to teach non-credit, applied music lessons in the Creative Arts Center. Those teaching these classes are compensated financially. For more information on teaching CMD classes, contact the School of Fine and Performing Arts at 937-775-2346
NOTE: Anyone teaching lessons for a fee on Wright State property, whether in the CAC or not, must go through the CMD program. Failure to do so is in violation of state law and constitutes a criminal offense.
A variety of non-Wright State financial aid resources are available to qualifying students. Although the agencies that provide these resources are not affiliated with Wright State or the School of Fine and Performing Arts and although Wright State is in no way responsible for any information given by these agencies, prospective students might consider exploring these resources.
MusicScholarships.US provides information on music scholarships, grants, competitions and awards resources for students preparing for a career in music. Their database of public and private music scholarships and competition awards for undergraduate/graduate school is regularly updated.
Finding the right college means finding the right fit. See all that the College of Liberal Arts has to offer by visiting campus.
