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Wright State University Department of Music is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Wright State University Department of Music is a proud OMEA

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions. If your question is not in the list, send an email to music@wright.edu and we will answer it for you.

How do I get to Wright State and where do I park once I'm there?

New and Prospective Students

Department of Music Performances

How do I become a music student?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in a music related field, you should consider being a music major. This will require a special application to the Department of Music and an audition. The application process, along with an online application, can be done online at Application Process. The auditions scheduled this year for students starting college in Fall, 2013 are:

Admission and Scholarship Consideration:

Admission Only:

If you are planning to major in another area but would like to continue to perform in a music ensemble there are many opportunities to do so. Some of these Ensembles accept student by audition but other ensembles are open to any student and only require the student to register for the class. Auditions for those ensembles that require an audition are all done during the first week of classes in the Fall Semester of each year.

If I'm not a music major, can I take classes in the Department of Music?

Absolutely! There are a variety of classes in music open to students majoring in areas other than music. Some of these are ensembles (see above). Others are an option for General Education. Still others are available for general interest. Check the Undergraduate Catalogue for specifics. View courses in Music (MUS), Music: Applied Music (MUA), Music: Ensembles (MUE, or Comparative Stues (CST).

What kind of concerts does your department sponsor?

While there are a great many different types of music, in general our performance are of “Classical” music.

Do I need to be able to play an instrument or sing well to become a music major?

It depends on what you mean by “Well”. Someone interested in pursuing a career in music should have a serious commitment to music. Typically this includes several years of musical study and performance on their instrument/voice. This is the reason for the music audition required for acceptance as a music major. We want all students accepted as music majors to succeed.

There are occasions, however, when this type of preparation has not occurred. If you feel there are special circumstances in your case, contact someone (Ms. Amy Neace or a member of the faculty) in the Department of Music

Does the Department of Music offer scholarships?

Yes! The same audition that is used to enter the Department of Music may be used to qualify for a scholarship. All scholarships are based on merit, and some are based also on financial need. Scholarships auditions are scheduled for the first 2 audition days of the year. If you are interested you need to audition on one of these days. Funds left over may be awarded at a later date, but this is not guaranteed.

Do I need to audition to become a music student?

Yes. The auditions scheduled this year (for students starting college in Fall, 2013) are:

Admission and Scholarship Consideration:

Admission Only:

Contact Ms. Amy Neace at music@wright.edu to schedule an audition.

Does the Department of Music offer graduate degrees?

Yes. There are 3 different degrees:

Go to the Department of Music Graduate Program on the web for more information.

How do I get tickets to Department of Music performances?

Contact the Creative Arts Center Box Office at (937-775-2500). If you are going to be on campus for a scheduled visit we can provide complimentary tickets for you and your family. Contact Victoria Chadbourne (937-775-2787)

Who are the applied instructors in the Department of Music?

Applied instructors are listed by area on the Music Faculty and Staff page.

Now that I have been accepted to Wright State University and the Department of Music, how do I register for fall classes?

Wright State holds orientation sessions. During these sessions, you will take placement tests, meet other incoming students, learn about the campus and university, and register for fall classes. University College will mail information to you on how to register for these sessions.

When will I audition for the various Department of Music ensembles?

Auditions for all vocal and instrumental ensembles take place during the first week, sometimes, as early as the first day, of fall classes. In late August, ensemble directors will send you a letter with more details regarding auditions.

Who do I contact is I need a school-loaned instrument?

The Department of Music has loan instruments available to music students. There is a fee for the use of these instruments and it is usually difficult to use them over the summer because that is when they are sent out for maintenance and repair. For more information on loaned instruments, contact Dr. Gretchen McNamara , gretchen.mcnamara@wright.edu.

Where can I find a list of the Department of Music concerts and recitals?

Go to Complete Performance Calendar for a list of the Department of Music concerts and recitals.

What ensembles does the Department of Music have?

Visit the our Ensembles & Studios page for complete information.