Music
We embrace teaching AND mentoring musicians.
Music Education
The KWU Department of Music believes that teaching 21st Century musicians should involve various musical styles and genres, coupled with the mentorship of students as they build their careers. This is the core of our teaching philosophy as we strive to create the 21st century music educator, performer, and advocate of music
The Department of Music offers:
- Vibrant performance experiences for both music majors and non-majors.
- A talented faculty whose background reflects diverse pedagogical styles, performance experiences, and musical interests.
- Creative music-making activities such as improvisation and composition as integral parts of our programs.
- KWU Ensemble performances partnered with strong ties to the local arts community in Salina, including the Salina Symphony and Theatre Salina.
Ensemble Opportunities
Students can participate in these groups!
Winds and Percussion
- Wind Ensemble
- The Howl of Kansas Wesleyan Pep Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- Percussion Ensemble
Voice
- Philharmonic Choir
- Wesleyan Chorale
Strings
- KWU String Orchestra
Hands-On Learning in the Community
Through partnerships with several community organizations, KWU is able to provide students with many opportunities to rehearse and perform with professional musicians.
Salina Symphony Orchestra
All string music majors are invited to audition to perform in Salina’s regional symphony orchestra and learn about its operation. Wind/Percussion majors may be invited based on available openings. Students may have opportunities to assist the directors of the Salina Youth Symphony and Youth Choir attending rehearsals, sitting in with the younger players, leading sectionals and providing private lessons. This allows for the unique opportunity of hands-on teaching experience with elementary through high school students outside of the public school experience.
Theatre Salina
Kansas Wesleyan has a history of partnering with the nationally recognized Theatre Salina to put on a large-scale musical each year. This partnership includes students, faculty, and community members in the cast, crew, and pit orchestra. Unique among universities in the area, our partnership with Theatre Salina gives students the opportunity to experience quality theatre productions without traveling outside of Salina.
Off-Campus Performances
Close ties within the community surrounding us also enable students to perform in community concerts, local churches, and even regional tours. The ensembles at KWU have gone on tours statewide, regionally, and even internationally and we are excited for these opportunities to continue and expand. Most recently, the choirs toured the Southwest region; in the past, they have even traveled internationally throughout Europe and even China!
Students Teaching Students
KWU students may also give private lessons to young area musicians while being mentored and advised by faculty.
Performances
Close ties the community also enable students to perform in musical theatre and opera productions, community concerts, and local or regional tours. The Kansas Wesleyan University Philharmonic Choir and its select-voice ensemble, the Wesleyan Chorale, tour regionally, nationally, and internationally (every four years). Past tours include China, California, England, and the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.
Music Studio and Facilities
The KWU campus is home to various facilities frequently used by the Department of Music. These facilities began a complete renovation in late 2022, with the Applequist Family Music Center opening in Oct. 2023 and the newly renovated Sams Chapel following in Oct. 2024.
Related Links
- Meet the Coyotes – 2024-25 Music Ensemble Rosters (includes KWU students only)
- Meet the Faculty
- Outreach Initiatives
- Make Available Disclosures for PK-12 Music Education (PDF)
- Teacher Education Professional Licensure Disclosures, Process and Policy (PDF)
- Departmental Recital Signup (Fillable)
- Junior/Senior Recital Form (PDF)
- Fine Arts Events
- Academic Calendar
