Department of Music

WVSU offers two music degrees — the BFA in Music Performance and the BS in Music Education. Music education majors prepare for careers in elementary, middle, and high school music teaching by becoming sound musicians, cultured individuals, and conscientious pedagogues suited to teach and inspire young students with the power of music. Music performance majors prepare for careers as professional performers and studio music teachers, developing exceptional skill on their major instrument. Music majors take courses in education, theory, history, appreciation, conducting, and technology.

The music department enriches the University’s culture by providing students from all academic areas the opportunity to participate in a variety of vibrant musical ensembles, including Concert Choir, State Singers, Marching Band, Pep Band, Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and Rock Ensemble. Auditions for these ensembles take place at the beginning of each semester. Each ensemble performs regularly on campus and in various locations throughout the Kanawha Valley. Select ensembles tour annually. Recent tours have taken students to Austria, New York City, Virginia Beach, St. Louis, Cleveland, Mobile, and Washington D.C. The Philharmonic Orchestra recently performed as invited guests in Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Lincoln Center in Washington D.C., and the State Singers performed at the Southern Division American Choral Directors Conference as members of the HBCU Honor Choir.

For more information about music study at WVSU, ensemble participation, private music lessons, or to schedule an audition to major in music, please contact Dr. Scott Woodard, Music Department Chair, at 304-766-3190 or via email at scott.woodard@wvstateu.edu

Generous scholarships are available for music majors at WVSU. If you are interested in majoring in music, please contact Dr. Scott Woodard at scott.woodard@wvstateu.edu for information.