Degrees and Majors
The School of Music is recognized for its emphasis on solo and ensemble performance.
Students study primary and secondary instruments with a faculty of gifted artists
and teachers. At Illinois Wesleyan University, this relationship blends emerging and
established talents in a unique environment.
From their first-year through their senior year, students are able to participate in a wide range of performing experiences seldom available in schools of comparable size.
Majors in Music
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music is for students who wish to complete a general study of music within a liberal arts curriculum. Coursework and experiences are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop basic musicianship skills, performance skills, and to engage in a broad study of musical repertoire. This is the program recommended for students who wish to double major.
Bachelor of Music Education
The Bachelor of Music Education prepares students for careers through intensive coursework combined with field experiences in front of K-12 music students. Students learn how to incorporate both traditional and contemporary teaching techniques in order to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of 21st century education. Students are also encouraged to become involved with the IWU collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and to attend professional development conferences.
The IWU School of Music has a unique partnership with Longy School of Music for a 4+1 structured program providing our students the opportunity to earn a Masters degree in Music Education in just 5 years.
Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance is designed for students committed to the achievement of excellence in the field of instrumental performance. This degree program also includes extensive studies in music literature, pedagogical techniques, and theory.
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance is designed for students committed to the achievement of excellence in the field of piano performance. This degree program also includes extensive studies in music literature, pedagogical techniques, and theory.
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
The Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance is designed for students committed to the achievement of excellence in the field of vocal performance. This degree program also includes extensive studies in music literature, pedagogical techniques, and theory.
Degree Requirements Course Plan
Minors and Concentrations in Music
Minor in Arts Management
The Minor in Arts Management is designed to help prepare students to manage performing and visual arts organizations such as orchestras, theatres, galleries, museums, and arts councils. Because it is intended to complement major study in one of the fine arts disciplines, this program is available only to students majoring in art, music, or theatre arts.
Minor in Music
The Minor in Music is designed for qualified students who have a background in music and who wish to complete a secondary concentration in this area to complement their studies in the liberal arts
Minor in Jazz Studies
The Minor in Jazz Studies is designed for music majors and non-music majors who wish to acquire a substantial understanding of jazz music, particularly in the areas of arranging, harmony, history, improvisation, performance, and theory.
Additional Academic Options
Five-Year Dual Degrees
Many students also elect to pursue two degree programs. Depending on the combination of degrees, this requires a minimum of five years of study. When pursuing two degree programs, the names of the degrees are different; e.g. B.A. in Biology and the BM in Performance.”
Four-Year Double Majors
Because of the distinctive combination of the liberal arts and a professional school of music, many students pursue two majors. There are numerous combinations that can be completed in four years, particularly if the music degree is the B.A. degree; e.g., music and business, music and psychology, or music and computer science, to name a few.