Department of Music
Love what you do—share what you love
On any given day, at almost any time, the Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center is filled with the sounds and sights of students studying music: ensembles rehearsing, private lessons, classes being taught—classes small enough to feel like seminars—and students studying together. Collective striving for excellence and warm community spirit are everywhere in evidence.
Whether preparing for a career or pursuing curiosity in music, Walla Walla University’s Adventist music program strives to heighten aesthetic sensitivity, illuminate music’s power to express the human experience in a uniquely abstract way, and enhance campus life and that of the larger community.
Student Spotlight
Josh is working towards his psychology major and music minor—all while living and training at the College Place Fire Department. Follow along to see what a day in his life at Walla Walla University looks like!
College Experience
What will your college experience look like as a music major?
You will be introduced to music as both an art form and as a reflection of culture. For aspiring musicians, WWU’s music program provides comprehensive instruction in performance, theory, history, and technology. The department-sponsored Music Club organizes many different kinds of musical or music-related events throughout the year. All ensembles perform regularly—on and off campus, in and out of state. In addition to a few smaller tours, one or two major ensemble tours typically take place every year, and students have many solo performance opportunities. A number of music departmental employment opportunities are also available to students.
Career Path
What can your career path as a music major look like?
You will develop skills for careers both inside and out of the music field including: teaching, performing, composing, conducting, music production, arts management, music journalism, and sales of musical instruments and equipment. The music major is also a superb choice if you are planning to pursue medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, law, and many other professional careers requiring post-graduate study. Additionally, it is a suitable credential for entry into careers in business or governmental service. Since the major allows a large number of credits outside of music, it has a high degree of flexibility.
News & Updates
Spring music
Kennedy performance
Choir and orchestra winter concert
Guest and faculty recital
