Love what you do—share what you love
Our mission is to challenge and nurture each student with a rich musical experience. It is our goal that each music student will be inspired and stimulated to further enrich the lives of others with the expertise, passion, and sensitivity gained from studying at Walla Walla University. Learn about scholarships and auditions.
If you don’t choose to be a music major, you’re still invited to share your passion for music with others. We have many ensembles including a full choir and a small choral ensemble, a wind symphony, a full symphony orchestra, a steel band, a big band, a brass quintet, and various other ensembles. Over 500 of our students are involved in some aspect of music ensembles. Find an ensemble and share your talents.
Walla Walla University has a number of musical ensembles that allow music students to get plenty of practical performance experience. In addition to frequent weekend performances at the Walla Walla University Church and several scheduled concerts throughout the year, WWU music students have the opportunity to travel with their ensembles and perform on the road for audiences all over the country.
WWU music students receive personalized training from our dedicated faculty that work to mentor you as a music professional and are truly interested and engaged in your success both as a musician and an individual.
Watch one of the many concerts that WWU music students perform.
Careers graduates enter:
- Music performance
- Music teaching
- Composition
- Conducting
Transferable Skills Music Majors Gain for Any Career
Bachelor of Music: Music
Job Outlook: As in many fields, much depends on the initiative and perseverance of the individual. Possible fields of employment include private teaching, composing, and arranging. The B.Mus. degree may also be used as an entry-level credential in pursuing employment opportunities in related fields, such as arts management and administration, music sales, or the entertainment industry. The B.Mus. degree can also serve as a necessary credential for entry into careers outside of music, such as business or governmental service. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Employment of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change from 2018 to 2028.” The BLS states that digital downloads and streaming have made it easier for musicians to interact with a broad fan base. (See www.bls.gov)
Earnings: Much will depend on the chosen career path and the dedication of the individual. The BLS reports that in May 2019, the median annual salary for music directors and composers was $51,670. While the BLS does not have data on the annual salary of musicians and singers, it reports a median hourly wage of $30.39 for these performers. (See www.bls.gov)
Bachelor of Music: Music Education
Job Outlook: According to the website Teacher Certification Degrees, “Job opportunities will vary greatly depending on locale.” Low income, urban and remote, rural areas will offer more music teacher jobs due to higher turnover, increased federal funding, and difficulty attracting prospects. In some areas, cutbacks and reduced budgets are creating fewer full-time jobs and more part-time positions. In addition, teachers who have knowledge in a specialty area like music are more likely to find jobs than general teachers are. (See www.teachercertificationdegrees.com)
Earnings: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2019, the median annual salary of elementary and secondary school teachers was $59,670. Postsecondary teachers who taught art, drama, and music made a median annual salary of $69,530. (See www.bls.gov)
Degrees offered by the Department of Music:
The department offers the single professional degree of Bachelor of Music with a choice of two majors, Music and Music Production.
- Music Education (Bachelor of Music)
- Music Education Teacher Certification
- Music Performance (Bachelor of Music)
- Music Production Major (Bachelor of Music)
- Music Minor
Academic Advisement suggested four-year plan for music degrees:
Graduates wishing to pursue graduate studies have successfully entered and completed programs at universities like Washington State University, the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, the University of Nebraska, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Yale, Juilliard, Vienna Hochschule für Musik, New England Conservatory, and Northern Illinois University.
Enjoy this collection of hymns performed by Walla Walla University piano students.
WWU Music calendar
If you would like to be notified of upcoming concerts, please send a request to music@walletyer.com to be added to our email list.
Events are free unless otherwise noted.