Music at EWU

Music
Faculty & Staff
Ensembles
Auditions & Scholarships
Events
News & Accomplishments

Make Music and Make Your Mark

The Eastern Washington University Music program empowers you to create, perform, and innovate. Given our diverse offerings—including music education, music technology, composition, and performance—you can explore various disciplines and find your forte.

Join a dynamic community of musicians, singers, writers, and composers who share your passion. Whether you aspire to perform on stage or work behind the scenes, EWU provides the hands-on experience needed to transform your love of music into a successful and fulfilling career.

All EWU Music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by world-class faculty who actively contribute to the region’s vibrant arts scene. Many faculty members perform with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, Inland Northwest Opera, Spokane Jazz Orchestra, and other prominent organizations.

Choose EWU, one of Washington’s top colleges for music education, and start composing your future today.

EWU Music Sessions

Are you dreaming of a career in the music industry as a performer, music technologist, composer, or instructor? Begin your musical journey at EWU!

Get a glimpse into the vibrant world of the EWU Music program through special performances, testimonials, and tutorials from our talented students and faculty. Explore exciting areas such as:

  • Orchestral performance
  • Piano performance
  • Vocal performance
  • Percussion performance
  • Music technology
  • Composition

Tune In to the Sessions

Auditions & Scholarships

Calling all musicians! Did you know the EWU Music Department awards an average of $150,000 in scholarships each year to help make a high-quality education more affordable for students?

As part of the admissions process, all applicants will audition and be considered for talent-based scholarships based on their performance. Here are the details:

  • Auditions are open year-round for music majors, minors, and non-majors.
  • Audition requirements vary by performance area, so please review them carefully.
  • You can schedule an in-person audition or submit a video.
  • After your audition, you’ll find out if you’ve been admitted to the Music Program and whether you’ve received a scholarship.

To get started, complete an application, and a faculty member will contact you to schedule your audition for both admission and scholarship consideration.

Start Your Application

Music Degrees

Our curriculum prepares students for a wide range of career possibilities.

Music

The Music BA degree offers a flexible and well-rounded education, making it an ideal choice for students who want to explore both music and entrepreneurship. With a mix of electives, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your studies based on your interests and career goals. You’ll build a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance while gaining practical experience through ensemble participation.

Music (BA)

Music Education

Our nationally accredited Bachelor of Music Education (BME) program and renowned faculty will shape you into a highly skilled, passionate music educator for K-12 schools. We partner with the EWU School of Education and local schools to provide valuable opportunities and hands-on experiences that lead to certification and endorsements. With a 100% placement rate in K-12 schools, the EWU BME Program sets you up for success.

Music Education (BME)

Music Technology

If you’re passionate about music and media production, countless career opportunities await you. Whether your interests lie in recording, editing, mastering, or sound design, the Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology will give you the skills to thrive. You could start your own business, land a job with major companies like Apple or Amazon, or work with recording studios, film companies, or touring bands and ensembles.

Music Technology (BA)

Music Composition

The Bachelor of Music in Composition opens the door to numerous career paths in the music industry and beyond. Our nationally accredited program offers a supportive and creative environment where you can grow as a composer. Through courses in composition, orchestration, arranging, music technology, and film scoring, you’ll gain the skills and tools to experiment, refine your craft, and bring your musical ideas to life.

Music Composition (BM)

Instrumental Performance

Our Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance degree prepares students for careers as solo and collaborative artists, applied music studio teachers and coaches, or performers in professional orchestras and jazz ensembles. Many of our students go on to excel in distinguished graduate programs, furthering their musical careers. Others pursue fellowship positions at summer festivals or work in recording studios.

Instrumental Performance (BM)

Piano or Vocal Performance

The Bachelor of Music in Piano or Vocal Performance offers exciting opportunities for both solo and collaborative performances. You’ll showcase your talents at various on- and off-campus venues while working closely with our experienced artist faculty members. The program also includes guest artist masterclasses each season, giving you valuable insights and mentorship from industry professionals.

Piano Performance (BM)

Vocal Performance (BM)

News & Accomplishments

Photo of student musician playing the violin with another student violinist in the background.

EWU Musicians Partner with Spokane Symphony for Campus Concert

The April 3 concert at Showalter Hall was made possible thanks to a generous gift...
EWU String Orchestra Chosen to Perform at NAfME Northwest Conference

EWU String Orchestra Chosen to Perform at NAfME Northwest Conference

After warming up with a campus performance, musicians and guests will play at the conference...
EWU student vocalist Za'Kayla Jones standing with a U.S. District Court judge.

EWU Student Vocalist Welcomed New Citizens

Za’Kayla Jones, a first year psychology student, sang the national anthem at a recent naturalization...
Music and Vision

Music and Vision

EWU’s Jonathan Middleton explores the potential of “data-to-music” algorithms.
Celebrate the New Year With Music

Celebrate the New Year With Music

The EWU Music Department has a full schedule of concerts for the upcoming months.
EWU’s Sheila Woodward Named President of International Music Council

EWU’s Sheila Woodward Named President of International Music Council

The music professor now leads the world’s largest network of music organizations, with more than...
Upcoming Music Performances for Everyone

Upcoming Music Performances for Everyone

A variety of performances are scheduled through Dec. 1.
For Big Data Analytics, Music May Hold the Key

For Big Data Analytics, Music May Hold the Key

In a new study, an EWU-lead research team touts the potential of “data-to-music” algorithms.
Interior of the music building recital hall

The Clarinet – Edited by Jane Ellsworth

2021 saw the publishing of the book The Clarinet that was edited by the EWU...

Our Mission

The EWU Music Program’s mission is to provide:

  • a top-tier education for music majors pursuing careers as performers, composers, educators, music technologists, or scholars.
  • high-quality music instruction for non-majors, grounded in a liberal arts tradition.

Our world-class music faculty blends exceptional teaching with artistic and scholarly expertise to create a supportive, dynamic learning environment. Our accredited programs welcome students from diverse backgrounds and interests, guiding them to grow and succeed on their musical journey.

Location:
Music Building
20 W Seventh St
Cheney, WA 99004

Contact:
E: jgraves@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2241

Collaborate and excel with exceptional musicians and artist-teachers in an inclusive academic environment. Our programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and guided by faculty from the region’s dynamic arts community.

Request Info Events Scholarships

Handbook Recital Hall Request & Calendar

NASM Logo